Yesterday, Manchester City faced Paris FC in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Women's Champions League. A crucial encounter for both teams, it was played without one of Manchester City's key players: Khadija Shaw.
The Jamaican striker, top scorer in the English league last season with 21 goals in 18 matches, was unable to make the trip to France due to a visa problem.
Details of the incident
A potentially costly administrative error
According to reports, Manchester City failed to submit the visa application for Khadija Shaw within the deadline. Despite a last-minute attempt to have the application expedited, the French embassy refused to accede to the request. This situation is further proof of the complexity and rigor of the administrative procedures involved in international travel for professional athletes.
Sporting consequences
Shaw's absence forced manager Gareth Taylor to revise his tactical plans for this crucial match. Fortunately for Manchester City, this absence had no negative impact on the final result, with the team winning 5-0 thanks in particular to a brace from Jess Park and the first goal from summer recruit Vivianne Miedema.
The legal framework for sports visas in France
France, like many countries in the Schengen area, has a strict regulatory framework governing the entry of foreign nationals into its territory, including top-level athletes. According to the official French government website, non-European athletes taking part in sporting competitions in France are generally required to obtain a short-stay visa, known as a "Schengen visa", for a maximum duration of 90 days out of a 180-day period.
UEFA, the organizer of the Champions League, works closely with the authorities of the host countries to facilitate visa procedures for the players and staff of participating clubs. However, the ultimate responsibility for obtaining the necessary documents lies with the clubs themselves.
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