The State Border Guard reported a series of violations of employment regulations for foreign athletes in Latvian football. Throughout the summer, six cases were identified where professional football players worked without a valid work permit. The latest inspections took place in August. Administrative proceedings were initiated against citizens of Japan and Nigeria who played for one of the Latvian football clubs. According to the Border Guard, both players were professional footballers but did not have the right to work in Latvia. Additionally, administrative proceedings were initiated against a board member of the club who allowed them to work. Another four similar cases were identified in July. At that time, inspections involved two citizens of Japan, as well as footballers from Tunisia and Brazil. Having a residence permit or visa does not automatically grant a foreigner the right to work in Latvia. In most cases, a separate permit or appropriate endorsement confirming the right to employment with a specific employer is required. Therefore, the responsibility for such violations lies not only with the foreign workers themselves but also with the employers who hire them without the necessary documents. Statistics show that such cases occur regularly. Last year, one athlete and two board members of clubs were held administratively liable, while in 2024, 16 athletes and four club leaders faced similar consequences. For violating employment conditions, a foreign worker faces a fine ranging from 28 to 140 monetary units (140–700 euros). Employers can also face significant penalties. A board member of a company may be fined between 28 and 86 monetary units (140–430 euros), and in certain cases, the court may additionally prohibit them from holding managerial positions in commercial companies. The Border Guard reminds that before hiring a foreign citizen, employers must ensure that they have all the legally required documents confirming their right to work.
