Should sportsmen get automatic access to a country?

[HBK-aholic]

In Rugby League at the moment there have been a few problems with players transferring from New Zealand/Australia to the UK in order to play for a Super League team. The Leeds Rhinos are currently waiting on New Zealand International Greg Eastwood to be allowed a Visa in order for him to move to England and begin playing for Leeds.

However, the UK have denied his visa request due to a driving offence. I personally think that's stupid. He was caught speeding a while back, most people have at some point, I really don't think he's a thread to the country, and he's not going to be an immigrant who does nothing - he already has a job. He has been forced to sign with another team on loan in Australia for the next few months in order to have an income. Fair? I don't think so. I think for things like this, unless there's a major reason, players should be allowed to play for a different team in a different country.

I've used Rugby League here, but I'm asking this generically. Should a professional sportsman be allowed to play wherever he wants without worrying about a Visa?

 

[The Todd]

No. At the end of the day it is a job like every other one. Would a bin man in the same situation get a visa? No, so the sportmen shouldn't.

Sports are my life nut it pisses me off when sportspeople are seen as "above society". They should be judged on how good they are at their sport, not what there off the pitch lives are like (yes, Mr. Beckham I'm talking to you you pathetic excuse of a footbller).

The way visas are handled in football is correct, if the olayer passes the countries rules (such as not having any criminal records) and they have played in so many of their national teams last few matches, they get their visa. If they are an international player, they are more likely to perform for the club and therefore contribute to society. If they are not playing for their national team they are obviously not talented enough, therefore won't play much for their club, and will be subsequently tossed out on the curb being no use to anyone in this country whatsoever.