Sport in Scotland after Brexit (employment and funding)
The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This process is often known as 'Brexit'.
The UK Government and the EU have now agreed a deal on their future relationship. From 1 January 2021 this new relationship with the EU will begin.
There will be effects on some areas of life in Scotland. This may include changes to the way sport is run in Scotland, from professional sports to 'grassroots' and volunteering.
Employment
If the terms of Brexit include changes to freedom of movement, this may affect the way Scottish sporting organisations give jobs to:
- professional playing staff
- coaches
- specialised positions
At the moment, freedom of movement means that sporting organisations can give professional contracts to EU citizens without needing a work permit.
After Brexit, EU citizens may need to have a work permit to join sports organisations in the UK.
The UK Government website has more information on UK working visas.
Funding
Sports clubs and organisations, including sports research institutions, may lose out on European funding, like Erasmus+.
However, only a small part of sports funding in the UK comes from Europe, meaning the impact will not be large.
The Erasmus+ website gives more information on funding in the UK after Brexit.
Transport
Once the Brexit transition period is over, there will be changes to travel to and from EU countries.
This could affect travel to the EU for:
- sporting teams and individuals
- supporters
- volunteers
The 'Transport after Brexit' page gives more information on this.
Horse racing and other equestrian sports
Brexit may also have an effect on the movement of horses in and out of EU countries.
This could have an impact on:
- horse racing in Scotland
- the wider performance sector
- horse owners in general
The UK Government site has information on the rules on exporting horses, ponies and other equines, including what to do if there's a 'no deal' situation.
