A TEENAGE Aston Villa star could be forced to remain at home while his team-mates jet abroad for a top European game – because he will not be allowed back into Britain.
Defender Janoi Donacien, aged 18, has been denied permanent UK residency by the Home Office, despite living here with his family since 2001 after arriving from St Lucia.
The fiasco means that the rising star cannot leave the country to take part in the prestigious knockout stages of the NextGen U19s tournament.
The claret and blues have been drawn at home to French club Marseilles in this month’s quarter final of the Champions League-style event.
But if they progress and are handed an away tie, Donacien would be forced to remain in Birmingham. If his immigration appeal is eventually turned down, he could be kicked out of the UK for good.
“Time is running out fast because, if this is not resolved, Janoi will be unable to play football in this country. That would be a travesty,” said Bryan Jones, Villa’s academy director. “It’s time that the authorities examined the case and allowed the boy residency so he can pursue his career.’’
Villa and Donacien’s family, who live in Luton, are still waiting for the UK Border Agency to make a final decision on his application.
