Nearly 8 weeks ago we were excited to announce the signing of England international keeper Jonathan Sim. Jonathan has been fantastic with our young keepers at training since he arrived, but we have been unable to play him in any matches yet. Why?
Jonny, like 80 other futsal players in Scotland, is awaiting international clearance to play. He is no longer registered with his previous club, Bloomsbury Futsal in England, and he is a free agent. Jonny recently moved to Edinburgh and he wants to continue his futsal journey by playing up here. He also wants to retain his place in the England squad for the forthcoming Euro Qualifiers against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Switzerland and Spain.
Jonathan, and the others are Scottish residents, this is their home and they are being restricted from playing the sport they love because of governance.
Could you imagine if Jack Butland, playing the top tier of football wasn't permitted to play for 8 weeks at Rangers?! It would never happen.
We are aware that other clubs have played players in the league without international clearance but face potential punishments of points deductions or fines for doing so. It would be great if some sort of solution could be agreed to allow all the players awaiting clearance to play!!