Ogenyi Onazi’s Birmingham Move Thwarted by Work Permit Regulations

Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi’s potential transfer to English Championship side Birmingham City has encountered a significant setback, as the 24-year-old has been denied a British work permit. The new regulations, implemented by the English Football Association, take into account the FIFA ranking of players’ national teams, ultimately leading to the collapse of the anticipated deal.

Under the revised guidelines, non-EEA (European Economic Area) players must meet specific criteria, including a minimum percentage of international matches played for their country in the preceding 24 months, as determined by their nation’s FIFA world ranking. Additionally, the eligibility criteria have been narrowed down from the top 70 ranked nations to the top 50, with additional appearance requirements contingent on the standing of the nation.

Despite Nigeria’s current FIFA ranking of 38th as of August 2017, their aggregate position over the last two years places them at 54th. This discrepancy has proved detrimental to Onazi’s aspirations of joining Birmingham City.

Ayodele Makinwa, Onazi’s agent, expressed disappointment over the development, stating, “We are just calm about this and will explore other options.” While the immediate future remains uncertain, Onazi’s talent and experience make him an asset sought after by clubs across Europe.

The denied work permit is a testament to the evolving landscape of international player transfers, emphasizing the increasing importance of a player’s national team ranking in facilitating moves between clubs in different leagues.