ChristopherWhite.info

“South American, African and other non-European footballers who cannot speak English will be barred from joining Premier League clubs from the autumn under the new points-based immigration system detailed by ministers yesterday.

“The introduction of an English language test, covering everyday phrases and simple conversation, forms part of a package of tougher rules for skilled migrants from outside Europe applying to work in Britain and for temporary workers and students.

“The immigration minister, Liam Byrne, said that there would have been 20,000 fewer migrants coming to Britain last year had the new rules been in force.

Aside from the obvious irony — that native players can hardly speak English — this is pretty silly on at least two counts:

1. It implies that, for example, a bunch of South Americans running round a pitch speaking Spanish is somehow “worse” than a bunch of Spaniards running round a pitch speaking Spanish. (Only there’s obviously nothing Liam Byrne could do about the latter even if he wanted to.)
2. If these guys’ employers don’t believe it’s necessary for them to speak English — and not just within football — then it’s got precisely cock-all to do with anyone else.

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