West Ham United have been handed a boost ahead of their Europa Conference League play-off first-leg on Thursday, with opponents Viborg missing two of their key men... thanks to Brexit.
The Hammers take on the Danish club as they look to reach the group stage of the competition, with David Moyes' side trying to progress far in another European tournament after last season's Europa League run. But their opponents have been dealt a hammer blow, with Ibrahim Said and Alassana Jatta unable to travel due to the English entry rules for non-EU citizens after Brexit.
The Danes have been unable to get a visa for either player. Said has started the majority of Viborg's matches so far this season and would have likely started for the Superligaen club, while Jatta has made two substitute appearances so far this campaign.
A statement on the club's website read: "We are extremely sorry that we have not been able to get visas for the two players. We have tried everything and have been in close contact with DBU, UEFA, the two embassies and another foreign club which has been in a similar situation, but unfortunately this has proved to be impossible, as there is a processing time of several weeks, and The match was only finally decided a week ago."
"It is very unfortunate in terms of sport, as both players would have had a role in the match, but even more unfortunate in terms of humanity, that the two miss out on the great experience," says sporting director Jesper Fredberg.
Will West Ham qualify for the group stage of the Europa Conference League? Let us know in the comments below!
It is a boost for the Hammers, though, who will be looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. West Ham dominated large spells of the game but were beaten by Taiwo Awoniyi's first-half effort, as Declan Rice missed a second half penalty.
After the trip to the City Ground, Moyes said: "It is an absolutely fantastic thing [Conference League]. We finished seventh in the league last year and you’re talking about is Europe good?
"My goodness, I don’t know how many teams in the leagues would shake your hand and say ‘please give us European football.’ We’ve got a play-off and we want to try to get in. It is a great thing and it is great for West Ham as well."
West Ham are yet to win a game this season after falling to a 2-0 loss against Manchester City on the opening day.
