Lionel Messi could face issues travelling to the UK if Barcelona draw a English side in the Champions League after Brexit.
Immigration lawyer Andrew Osbourne of firm, Lewis Silkin, has warned that players could face issues travelling once the UK leave the European Union.
Osbourne's firm have revealed that they are training several clubs to deal with the situation, should it arise after Brexit goes through.
The lawyer explained during an in-depth interview with the Athletic , that some of the world's most high profile stars could be affected by issues, with Messi a prime example of what could occur.
“There is a specific point around European games. If you are an EU citizen with a criminal conviction, you can travel to the UK, as long as you are not deemed to be a threat to national security," Osbourne said.
"If you are not an EU citizen and have a conviction or prison sentence imposed — even if suspended — you are banned from coming to the UK.
"There are a number of very famous footballers with convictions and suspended sentences for tax evasion. They, thus far, have not had to worry as they have EU passports.
"But post-Brexit, they potentially may not be able to enter the country (as they will be treated like non-EU nationals).
"Anyone with a prison sentence of any sort, the starting point is you are not allowed in.
"This could provide disruption to Champions League squads and also whether they (UEFA) will play finals in England if players potentially may not be able to come in.
"Clubs will need to take steps.”
Barca's talisman, Messi, has previously been convicted for tax fraud and was handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence by the Spanish courts.
And as Britain exits the EU, his entry into the UK has the potential to be more difficult to compete in Champions League or international games.
There is an expectation that realpolitik will take over with UEFA's decision and that the Home Office would grant exemptions.
Marioxxx
1818
Messi will dribble pass this law very soon mark it
Ramadmsu
419
Messi traveling to any part of the world is the easiest thing that can happen. If he needs visa to UK, that can be handled within minutes. So what will be the issue? This is a law firm trying to advertise it service and availability to handle such eventualities. Any country on planet earth will even wave visa for figures like Messi any day any time.
yasheel
262
the only way english teams can stop messi
Parwiz-Yaqubi
139
Maybe they should take UK out of the competition since they are not part of Europe any longer if they want to leave less problem for everyone
Austine8Peaks
106
From a straight thinking perspective. If England decides to leave EU then they should as well leave Uefa and have a micro continent of their own in Europe. Betterstill they can join Oceania teams to compete. Any team that draws an English team in this current season after Brexit should have automatic qualification to the next round.
Hacker65
86
Going to UK...
Zieop
74
Leo giving in his passport the ppl at the airport taking his passport :sorry u cant go to London messi: do u know who i am airpot ppl checking his passport : secrity!!!! he is harrising me
Huebdmu
72
It will be a British law after Brexit unfortunately i don't understand how Messi is being dragged into such dirty. The responsibilities of issuing a visa is vested in the Foreign Office, if Messi applies for a Visa i don't think there's anyone in that office who has never heard of him or watched him play football, they all know he's as harmless as Angel Gabriel despite the dubious suspended sentence in Spain.
whykallar
65
That means it will also affect UK clubs too, you can't sabotage our beautiful game for such reason, FIFA will definate request that, the game be play somewhere else, nonsense.
Nudanos
62
it's a very simple problem, if UK won't grant players visa after Brexit, the affected clubs should boycott the match altogether and let uefa handle the issues.