The English season got off to an interesting start. The expectations generated post pandemic mean that there are several teams are competing, but when it seemed that trouble was over, many people are experiencing unforeseen issues.
As soon as the first games of the season started, last minute replacements for players were made. The cause? Many visas that allow players to compete legally in the UK are not ready. The explanation given from the institutions involved? The large number of applications from migrants from Ukraine due to the war with Russia.
Among those affected by this are players, pilots, grooms, managers and several workers within the sport. “It’s really difficult to put a different lineup together for each match,” said an organization leader. “It’s very frustrating, having prepared for such an anticipated season, and not being able to play,” said a player who is a member of one of the teams currently playing the 22-goal.
Even though the conflict is affecting the sort at all levels, the impact is being felt more in the English high goal. Renowned players such as Marqués de Riscal’s Santiago Cernadas, currently replaced by Facundo Llosa; UAE’s Lukin Monteverde, replaced by Juanchi Ambroggio; La Magdeleine’s Facundo Fernández Llorente, replaced by Min Podestá; Dubai’s Jerónimo del Carril, replaced by Guillermo Terrera – these are only a few of those waiting for a solution concerning their working permits.
When they applied for visas, they were informed that the procedure and approval would last from three to six weeks maximum. But that time frame has come and gone, and many are still waiting. On the other hand, there are applications that have been approved in due time, even when they applied after some of those which are still waiting for a response.
It is worth noting that British nationals don’t need any kind of working permit to play professional polo in their country – neither do those who hold an EU passport and comply with the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) designed for those who have the necessary documents to apply for residency in the United Kingdom to work legally after the Brexit.
In conclusion, a month into the season, many players are still waiting, either in their respective countries or the United Kingdom, for their working visa.