The main difference is obviously in the name. Short-term visa for a sporting worker lasts for up to 12 months, while a sportsperson visa allows for a 5-year stay in the UK with the opportunity to further extend the immigration status.
Another difference is who can get these two visa types. Exact wording is important here. A sportsperson visa is issued only to professional sportspeople and coaches whose level of proficiency is confirmed not only by the accepting country, but also by international sports federations. A short-term visa for a sporting worker is granted to a recognised specialist that can contribute to the development of sports industry in the UK. This visa can be beneficial for those, for example, who want to arrange commercial workshops with a “champions’ coach” or masterclasses with a renowned foreign sportsperson.