Crusaders players face visa probe : Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:11 pm  

Not been a goos couple of weeks..... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 142408.stm Players from Super League side Celtic Crusaders are being investigated by the UK Border Agency over possible immigration offences. BBC Wales Sport understands that visas used to bring overseas players to Wales may be insufficient. The investigation covers a number of overseas players at the club. The BBC has asked the Crusaders for a response. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "While the investigation is under way it would be inappropriate to comment." Before the start of the current season, eight of the 27 Crusaders players had difficulties obtaining the correct work permits. Captain Jace van Dijk, leading try-scorer Tony Duggan and player of the year Damien Quinn were among the players whose arrival from Australia was delayed. However, all overseas players at the club will have their visas inspected, but it not known how many be under investigation for for possible irregularities. The investigation is the latest blow for the troubled Bridgend-based club, who currently lie bottom of the Super League in their first season in the top flight. Owner Leighton Samuel had to reassure fans earlier this week that he "would not walk away" amid fears the club are suffering financial difficulties. That prompted Super League chiefs to reiterate their support for the club by saying are "determined to do what we can to help find additional investors".

Not been a goos couple of weeks..... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 142408.stm Players from Super League side Celtic Crusaders are being investigated by the UK Border Agency over possible immigration offences. BBC Wales Sport understands that visas used to bring overseas players to Wales may be insufficient. The investigation covers a number of overseas players at the club. The BBC has asked the Crusaders for a response. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "While the investigation is under way it would be inappropriate to comment." Before the start of the current season, eight of the 27 Crusaders players had difficulties obtaining the correct work permits. Captain Jace van Dijk, leading try-scorer Tony Duggan and player of the year Damien Quinn were among the players whose arrival from Australia was delayed. However, all overseas players at the club will have their visas inspected, but it not known how many be under investigation for for possible irregularities. The investigation is the latest blow for the troubled Bridgend-based club, who currently lie bottom of the Super League in their first season in the top flight. Owner Leighton Samuel had to reassure fans earlier this week that he "would not walk away" amid fears the club are suffering financial difficulties. That prompted Super League chiefs to reiterate their support for the club by saying are "determined to do what we can to help find additional investors".

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:52 pm  

This does not make good reading, here's hoping your club officials can sort this whole mess out a.s.a.p.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:25 pm  

What a damn joke.Playing fair my booty.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:26 pm  

Club have said they are co-operating with investigations, that there were obviously some problems earlier in the season, but as far as they know these problems were overcome.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:03 pm  

don't see where the problem is, they are either given a visa to enter or not, it was known they was coming to play for your club, and no doubt the tax office was informed about earnings

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:44 pm  

The Borders Agency clearly have too much time on their hands. They seem to be overly obsessed with rugby league at the moment, especially Australian players. If there are irregularities then it is hardly the club's fault given that the players all applied for and were granted visas by the, er, Borders Agency! It must be either personal to individual players or an error by the Agency itself.

I'm feeling right sorry for Crusaders fans just now. You guys must wonder what on earth is going to come along next!

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 8:56 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

The Borders Agency clearly have too much time on their hands. They seem to be overly obsessed with rugby league at the moment, especially Australian players. If there are irregularities then it is hardly the club's fault given that the players all applied for and were granted visas by the, er, Borders Agency! It must be either personal to individual players or an error by the Agency itself.

I'm feeling right sorry for Crusaders fans just now. You guys must wonder what on earth is going to come along next!

##

Your assuming the Borders Agency were given the correct information on which to make their decision

: Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:09 pm  

And te RFL should also be checking the player credentials

: Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:15 pm  

rs wrote:

##

Your assuming the Borders Agency were given the correct information on which to make their decision

That's the only problem I can think of! And if not case, especially on more than 1 visa, likely to be hit very hard!

: Sat Jul 11, 2009 8:46 am  

The visa criteria states that...

The sportsperson category is for elite sports people and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level