The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) can impose a non-competition period on Richardson, which would affect his participation in international events, including world and continental championships.

Born in Maidstone, UK, on 12 April 1999, Richardson's announcement to join the British team has shocked the cycling community, particularly as it comes so soon after his success at Paris 2024, where he won two silver medals in the individual sprint and keirin and a bronze in the team sprint.

Under UCI rules, athletes who change nationality are ineligible to represent their new country in the next cycle of international competition, which could leave Richardson inactive.

AusCycling, the governing body of cycling in Australia, has expressed surprise and disappointment at Richardson's change of allegiance. Jesse Korf, AusCycling's General Manager of Performance, said that the organisation was reviewing the length and terms of the non-competition period in consultation with the UCI and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

Korf stressed that while it is certain that Richardson "will not be competing at the upcoming world championships", it has not yet been decided whether the ban will be permanent. "It is too early to say whether a two-year non-competition clause will be implemented," Korf said. The ASC, which provides financial support to Australian athletes, is also involved in the discussions.

"The length of the non-competition period and related clauses are currently being investigated and reviewed with the UCI and ASC," Korf added. "There is disappointment with the decision and the process, as well as uncertainty about Matt's circumstances."

Richardson's move has drawn criticism from Australian cyclists. Former world champion Katherine Bates expressed her frustration at the amount of resources invested in Richardson's development in Australia. 

Despite the criticism, Richardson has defended his decision, claiming that he has provided a good return on investment by winning medals for Australia and is now pursuing a personal dream.

Having moved to Australia from England at the age of nine, Richardson cited his desire to compete for his home country as the reason for his move. The reaction from British Cycling, which has a much larger budget than AusCycling, was one of surprise as they had not actively sought out the cyclist.

According to Korf, discussions between Richardson and British Cycling probably took place between February and April, before the move was formalised. 

"It's difficult when you have to hide that information from your friends and teammates," Richardson told the ABC. "So yeah, it was very difficult, but I didn't want them to have the burden of keeping it a secret," he commented on how his teammates reacted and whether they knew about his decision before the Paris Games.

"Of course I understood that there would be some bitterness around this decision. But at the end of the day, it's my career and my life. Everyone has a right to their opinion and it's up to me whether I choose to listen or not, and clearly I've chosen not to," he said.

"It's a free world and everyone can do and say what they want. I'm happy with the decision I made," Richardson concluded.