Brexit could mean no more stars like Tuilagi and Pietersen
Leaving the EU could restrict the number of sportsmen from beyond Europe coming to the UK and scare off the NFL
Much has been written about the effect of Brexit on the Premier League, but Britain's shock decision to withdraw from the EU could have a significant effect on other sports in the UK.
Cricket and rugby are both likely to be hit by the decision, which could undermine the Cotonou Agreement and the Kolpak Ruling in 2003 that have enabled players like Manu Tuilagi to become England internationals.
"Many rugby and cricket players arrive in the Aviva Premiership and county cricket through the 'Cotonou agreement', a treaty between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States," explains Sky Sports. It gives citizens from countries, including Fiji and Samoa, similar rights to EU citizens.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"In cricket, the 'Kolpak Ruling', which is also used in both codes of rugby, gives citizens of countries which have signed European Union Association Agreements the same rights."
Kolpak players are not classed as foreign, which helps clubs improve their teams despite rules governing the number of "foreign" players.
Paul Shapiro, an associate at the law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, told The Guardian: "If EU law ceases to apply in the UK, the organisers of sports competitions may be able to more effectively restrict the number of foreign players that feature in match day squads as they could potentially include EU nationals and Kolpak players within any foreign player quota.
"Some governing bodies may see this as advantageous in that it would allow them to discriminate in favour of the development of English-qualified players to the potential advantage of the national team whereas it could be damaging to leagues/clubs who would be less competitive in their ability to attract the best players from across the continent."
But it could harm national sides as well. Kevin Pietersen qualified for England under the Kolpak rule and it was the EU agreements that allowed Manu Tuilagi's older brothers to play rugby in England, which is how he and his Samoan family ended up in the country.
The decision could also endanger "London's status as the sporting capital of Europe, if not the world", says the Daily Telegraph. The capital has become "the go-to destination for major sporting championships and for American sports looking to expand their audience", claims the paper.
But Maria Patsalos, a sports immigration partner at the law firm Mishcon de Reya, claimed that the hugely popular NFL London series could now be in doubt: "The way the NFL view it is that London is a gateway to Europe," she told the paper. "My view is that... they will reconsider that deal."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Four key tax changes to prepare for in April
The Explainer With time running out, a last-minute checklist could help you make the most of your allowances
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
Covid four years on: have we got over the pandemic?
Today's Big Question Brits suffering from both lockdown nostalgia and collective trauma that refuses to go away
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Katespiracy: is the media to blame?
Talking Point Public statement about cancer diagnosis followed weeks of wild speculation and conspiracy theories
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'The world is full of surprises, but not in Venezuela'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Stormont power-sharing in sight: 'good news' for Northern Ireland?
Talking Point Unionists vote to end two-year boycott after agreeing legislative package to address post-Brexit trading arrangements
By The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published