International footballers who require a visa to play professional football in England or undertake any employment duties for a football club in England must obtain a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the Football Association of England (The FA). Read about the recent changes to the GBE requirements.
Apart from British & Irish footballers, and footballers from other nationalities who have been granted settlement in the UK, professionals (including EEA nationals) who wish to play for a professional football club in the UK will be required to apply for an International Sportsperson visa.