Rodolph Austin could still play in England despite new UK rules

Darryl Powell, the agent for Reggae Boy Rodolph Austin, says there is still a possibility that the Jamaican could secure a work permit from the Football Association in the United Kingdom to play club football.

Austin has been refused a work permit under new rules which state that a player’s country of origin has to be in the top 50 in FIFA’s rankings over the last two years. 

However, Jamaica is ranked at 76.

Austin has been offered a three-year contract with Sheffield Wednesday, which would have made him one of their highest paid players.

However, Powell told The Gleaner/Power 106 Sports from his base in London, that he has been contacted by Sheffield Wednesday, and the club has indicated that there is chance Austin could still be granted a work permit.

Powell also says Jamaica Football Federation President Captain Horace Burrell has offered to assist with the matter.

However, Powell says the new work permit rules will have a devastating impact on Jamaica's football players as well as player from other countries in the Caribbean.