Why Tottenham may have to pass on one of preferred midfield targets
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham midfielder target Reo Hatate doesn’t qualify for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), a requirement for non-EU footballers before the Home Office will consider issuing a work permit.
The visa process for professional footballers has recently tightened, affecting non-EU players who aren’t internationally established at the highest level.
Why Hatate doesn’t qualify for a Governing Body Endorsement
Unfortunately for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs, Hatate’s lack of international experience initially prevents him from acquiring GBE qualification.
According to the GBE, a player’s employment must significantly contribute to the development of their sport at the highest level.
Restrictions have tightened in recent years for various reasons, including that only 58 percent of footballers given work visas played any top-flight football in their second season.
Until 2015, an individual needed to play in 75 percent of their national team’s matches in the previous two years to qualify for a GBE.
Things have changed slightly since a sliding scale was introduced based on the national team’s FIFA ranking.
Here’s how eligibility has functioned since the 2015 amendment:
The required percentage of international matches in the past 2 years
- FIFA Ranking: 1-10 (30% and above)
- FIFA 11-20: (45% and above)
- FIFA 21-30: (60% and above)
- FIFA 31-50: (75% and above)
According to FIFA, Japan is currently the No. 20 ranked nation, so Hatate must have played at least 45 percent of their matches in the previous two years to qualify.
Having just recently made his Land of the Rising Sun debut, Hatate has barely played 45 minutes for Japan, let alone the 45 percent threshold.
There is an appeals process that Tottenham could trigger, which could bear fruit. However, the initial hurdle might deter Spurs from further pursuing the promising 25-year-old.