Immigration after the 2025 rule changes — protecting the ‘hidden’ sports workforce

Player visas dominate headlines, but it’s the hidden workforce — performance analysts, medical staff and everyone else behind the scenes — where recent Skilled Worker visa changes will bite. 

Here, Georgina Rothwell explores the new immigration changes that came into effect from July 2025, including higher salary thresholds, stricter qualification levels and limited relief under the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).

What changed in 2025

While the International Sportsperson visa remains available for elite players and coaches, many non‑playing roles now fall under a tougher Skilled Worker regime. The general salary threshold for new applications has increased to £41,700. For sponsorship under the Skilled Worker category after 22 July 2025, the role must meet the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 skill requirement.  

The immigration salary list is also being phased out with the introduction of the TSL offering temporary relief for certain roles at RQF Level 3 to 5. TSL‑sponsored roles carry limits such as no dependants and the risk of removal from the list by December 2026 which the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) have been tasked to review. Clubs must also align with elevated going rates for occupations and meet sponsor duties in a more scrutinised environment. In short, although these roles are still eligible for sponsorship, they come with the risk of being removed from the TSL. Employers are therefore having to consider whether they should sponsor individuals for a longer duration from the offset.  

Where sports organisations will feel it

These are the areas where sports organisations are most exposed to the new immigration rules:

• Performance & analytics — data analysts and certain business professionals may still be eligible for sponsorship but subject to TSL conditions.
• Medical/strength & conditioning support — where roles don’t clearly meet the RQF Level 6 requirement or the new going rates, sponsorship will be harder to progress.
• Motorsport & events engineering — technical roles in motorsport appear on the TSL with caveats, creating planning risk for race calendars and factory ramps.  
• Club operations & commercial functions — mid‑career specialists in marketing, partnerships or venue operations may now sit above cost thresholds that squeeze budgets. 

Communications & player care impact

Even when the senior squad is unaffected, disruptions to performance, medical or analysis staff can impact player care and results. It’s crucial to explain to leadership and sporting directors where recruitment constraints exist as early as possible and internally review data and practices to secure realistic headcount budgets, earlier requisitions and — where justified — compensation adjustments to meet sponsorship rules. 

Preparing for 2026

The headline routes for elite players are steady, but the rest of the sports ecosystem now faces tighter and pricier immigration rules. Clubs and national governing bodies (NGBs) that plan proactively, audit their sponsorship exposure and diversify talent pipelines in 2025 will avoid surprises in 2026 when lists change and compliance scrutiny intensifies. 

Talk to us

Our award-winning sports law team is widely recognised — both nationally and internationally — as one of the largest and most experienced multidisciplinary legal teams in the field. We provide expert guidance on the legal challenges faced by foreign athletes and staff relocating for their careers including support with visa applications and work permits.

Alongside this, our business immigration lawyers combine expertise in the fast-changing immigration and employment world with tailored support — from securing the right sponsor licences to building a strategy that protects you, your business and your people.

If you need advice or representation in connection with a sports enquiry or related legal matter, get in touch today for a confidential consultation by calling 0333 004 4488, emailing hello@brabners.com or completing our contact form below.