SWINDON Speedway are hopeful that the visas issue surrounding non-EU riders’ eligibility to ride in Britain in 2015 can be resolved - an issue that could affect the riding status of skipper Troy Batchelor.

Reports this morning claimed that visas were being revoked by the UK Borders Agency, with the authority claiming that rulings regarding doubling up and gusting were not compliant with their own rules.

If true, the action could affect the likes of skipper Batchelor in the 2015 Swindon Robins team, although fellow Aussie Nick Morris does hold a British passport.

A Robins statement today said: "Swindon Speedway will be working closely with fellow member clubs within the British Speedway Promoters' Association and UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) to iron out administrative issues relating to non-EU riders.''

Swindon Robins owner Terry Russell earlier told the Swindon Advertiser this morning: "We are going through the process now of going for a new sponsorship, which is what you have to have in place.

“We sincerely hope to have in place in time for our first league meeting on March 28.

“Troy Batchelor has been spoken to and is aware of the situation and as a club we are going to do all we can to get our sponsorship criteria in place in time.''

A British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA) statement said: "A number of speedway clubs who employ migrant riders (non EU) were asked to attend a meeting with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) this week.

"This meeting was a result of a number of regular compliance visits to individual clubs as the employers.

"There are administrative issues which all parties are keen to resolve before the start of the 2015 British Speedway season.

"The UKVI have offered to hold an operational workshop for club officials to assist them in this complex process.

"In the meantime, the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters' Association) and UKVI remain committed to work towards a satisfactory outcome.''

Robins team boss Alun Rossiter, who is currently on holiday, said: "The BSPA have made a statement and we stand by that, we will be working closely with other clubs and the UKVI to resolve the situation and we remain cautiously optimistic that Troy's situation will be finalised in time for the new season."

British Speedway chairman Alex Harkess said: “The UKVI have assured us they will work with us with the aim of ensuring all eligible riders are able to compete in the 2015 season.”

Robins' 2015 season is due to start on March 28 at Leicester followed by the Easter double header with Poole.