KOZHIKODE:Last year, nearly 100 foreign players took part in the sevens football tourneys in the state taking home close to Rs 1.2 crore as remuneration. But the entire process of bringing in foreign players has been found to be illegal as they come to India on tourist visa.This season too, nearly 120 foreign players from African countries have arrived in the state to take part in the sevens tournaments but without following any proper legal procedures.
Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) K K Jayamohan said the foreign players for the sevens were coming after signing a proper contract that included remuneration package with the local clubs. “Once they enter into a contract, they need to come to the country on an employment visa,” he added.
“It’s a matter of concern. Players from African countries play in the tournaments by coming in with tourist visa,” he said. According to the figures, 120 to 150 players from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sudan and Cameroon have arrived in Kerala to play in tournaments this season.