The only other way round it is to get an EU feeder club to get round it, though at that level I doubt you could get one. Belgium is good - no WP rules, and after 3 years on loan they get EU nationality and play for you.
In order for a non EU player to get a WP to play in the UK, they have to be able to contribute to the sport at the highest level. This translates to their country being in the top 75 FIFA rankings, and has played in 80% (around that mark) of the internationals they have been available to play in (injury counts as not being available), or for youngsters have a very high reputation, but this is not easy to get.
p.s. Although I've referred to it as Work Permit as everyone knows it as that, it's now known as having a Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2 of the Points Based System.
In order for a non EU player to get a WP to play in the UK, they have to be able to contribute to the sport at the highest level. This translates to their country being in the top 75 FIFA rankings, and has played in 80% (around that mark) of the internationals they have been available to play in (injury counts as not being available), or for youngsters have a very high reputation, but this is not easy to get.
p.s. Although I've referred to it as Work Permit as everyone knows it as that, it's now known as having a Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2 of the Points Based System.
