Visa Issue Forces Manchester City to Play Without Star Player in Paris

Manchester City faced Paris FC yesterday in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League second-round qualifier, a match critical to both teams—but one that unfolded without one of the English side’s most influential players: Khadija Shaw.

The Jamaican striker, who topped the previous season’s English league scoring charts with 21 goals in 18 matches, was unable to travel to France due to a visa issue.

How the visa breakdown occurred

A costly administrative misstep

According to reports, Manchester City failed to submit Khadija Shaw’s visa application within the official deadline. Although the club made a last-minute attempt to expedite the process, the French embassy refused the request. The incident underscores how rigorous and unpredictable international travel logistics can be for professional athletes, with narrow margins dictating participation.

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On-field impact

The absence of Shaw forced manager Gareth Taylor to adapt his tactical setup mid-tournament. Fortunately for City, the change did not affect the outcome—with the team winning 5–0, including a brace from Jess Park and the first goal of the season from new signing Vivianne Miedema.

Visa rules for visiting athletes in France

Like other Schengen-area countries, France applies a strict regulatory framework to short-term entries, including for elite athletes. According to the French government’s official portal, non-EU athletes competing in France typically require a short-stay Schengen visa valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The UEFA, which oversees the Champions League, works closely with host-nation authorities to streamline paperwork for players and staff. Ultimately, however, the responsibility for securing all required documentation rests solely with the clubs themselves.