Iraq to appeal Akram decision

Football president confident of outcome

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 31st January 2008

Iraq to appeal Akram decision

Akram: Further appeal

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Iraq will step in to appeal the British Government's decision to deny its top player Nashat Akram a work permit to join Manchester City.

City boss Sven Goran Eriksson was keen to bring midfielder Akram, a runner-up in last year's Asian player of the year awards, to the City of Manchester Stadium, but a technicality in immigration rules for footballers has forced the deal to be held up.

Law

The law states that for a player to be allowed to enter the country their national side must be ranked in the top 70 in the Fifa world rankings.

As Iraq have had an average ranking of 71 for the past two years a permit and resulting appeal from City were denied.

Iraq's football president Hussein Saeed said: "I don't know why this has happened, he is an exceptional player, capable of playing in the English Premier League.

"I am in regular contact with Manchester City and I have spoken with the Iraqi Government to talk with the British Government and appeal this decision.

"I'm confident he will get the chance to play in England."

Akram, 23, played a pivotal role as Iraq won the Asian Cup last year and impressed City boss Eriksson during a recent trial at Eastlands.