Work permits – explanation and an apology

I took some stick last week – justifiably – for misreading the Lacina Traore work permit situation.

So by way of an apology – and so we don’t misunderstand in future – I have contacted both the Home Office and Premier League to get the position cleared up.

Here’s how it all works:

There was a widespread belief that once a permit had been successfully received by one club – as was the case with West Ham  – it was impossible for that to be transferred and that another hearing could not be held by any other club (sponsor) for a further four months.

But inquiries at the Home Office have shown that in the case of players applying on the basis of being of “exceptional talent”, that is not in fact the case.

A spokesman at the Government department told us that a new hearing could be organised quickly and for a special fee, officials would even visit the club to rush things through.

He said: “Where the player has passed the necessary criteria at the first hearing, another permit can be issued for another club although the first one is indeed non-transferrable.”

The Home Office has no four-month rule restriction and neither it seems does the Premier League.

A spokesman at the Premier League said: “We work by the rues laid down by the Home Office and have no regulation of our own to that effect.”