UK NEWS

IRAQI FOOTBALLER REFUSED WORK PERMIT

Tuesday January 29,2008

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An Iraqi footballer has been refused a work permit to play in the Premier League.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson had hoped to bring Nashat Akram, a star of Iraq's Asian Cup-winning team, to play for his Manchester City side.

But it appears Akram, 24, cannot come to the UK because of a technicality of the immigration rules for footballers.

To gain a work permit, a player's national side must be in the top 70 of the Fifa rankings and Iraq has only been ranked 71 and 72.

It is a tragedy, say Akram's supporters, partly caused by the current violence which makes it impossible for Iraq to host international games.

Manchester City has already lost an appeal against the Home Office decision, but hope remains after the Iraqi government took up his cause.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told the Associated Press a letter has been sent to the British ambassador in Iraq.

"We are trying to help Akram with his problem," he said. "I have sent a request to the Home Office to reconsider the decision. The Iraqi government is exerting efforts to solve the issue."

Midfielder Akram, who was born in Hilla, currently plays for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

The Iraq national team, which practices outside the country, hasn't played a home game in nearly 20 years because of fears of strife and UN sanctions under Saddam Hussein.

IRAQI FOOTBALL PLAYER

30.01.08, 11:25pm

So long as the chap can score goals for Britain and earn his keep, what is the problem? After all, he is more entitled to be over here than some bearded nutter who is intent on blowing us civilised Brits into smithereens?

If he earns us money, then let him stay. If he opts to sit at home on his arse, watch Richard and Judy and plan jihad then chuck him out.

• Posted by: Zeigfreid • Report Comment

REFUSED PERMIT ?????????

30.01.08, 9:03am

he should have said he was a terrorist and he would have been welcome with open arms

• Posted by: ANNR • Report Comment

SO NOW THE FA DECIDES WHO CAN WORK IN THE UK!

30.01.08, 8:53am

Damn stupidity, the rules should be identical for all people regardless.

No preferential treatment for anyone.

If a job is available and no one else can fill that position then allow them to come and work and pay taxes etc.

I am sure that the majority of the UK indigenous population would prefer someone that contributes to millions of Eastern Europeans here to abuse the benefits loopholes and pathetic prisons(holiday camps) that allow them to commit crimes with no deterent.

• Posted by: The_Way_I_See_It • Report Comment