Posted January 30, 200817 yr Iraqi Akram refused work permit http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44349000/jpg/_44349663_nashatbody203.jpg Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram's move to Manchester City looks to be over after he was refused a work permit. Akram had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract earlier in January but it appears that he cannot travel to the UK because of immigration rules. They stipulate that his national side must be in the top 70 of the FIFA rankings, which Iraq are not. "I have huge sympathy for Nashat," admitted Manchester City's Swedish manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. "He's a very good footballer with an excellent international pedigree," he added. "Nashat has now returned to the Middle East and we'll keep in touch." Manchester City have already lost an appeal against the Home Office decision, but hope remains as the Iraqi government have taken up Akram's cause. And their case also has the support of Keith Vaz, Labour MP for Leicester East. "I shall be calling on the Home Secretary (Jacqui Smith) to review this decision," he said "Here we have someone who wants to come and work legitimately, a role model for his country, whose presence here can heal divisions in Iraq. "Parliament has given ministers the right to exercise their discretion and they should use it. "This case sends out all the wrong messages." Akram, born in Hilla, currently plays for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates. He has been the subject of speculation over a move to the Premier League since he played a key role in helping Iraq win last year's Asian Cup. But the national team has been unable to move up in the rankings because it has been impossible to play any home matches because of fears of violence. The team have not played a home game in nearly 20 years. ---------------------------------------------------------------- I'm sorry but I find this slightly outrageous, considering Iraq are currently #67 in the world so are in the top 70 (but have an average over #73 over the last 2 years to make a convenient reason), and are the Asian Cup holders, plus he seems to be an important part of the Iraqi national team. It almost feels as if because he's from Iraq he's been refused the permit, and they're hiding behind this top 70 rule <_< And not to forget Iraq's ranking is mainly based upon their away form, seeming as they haven't been able to play at home for 20 years Edited January 30, 200817 yr by Matt Aloud
January 30, 200817 yr I think it sends out the right message! SIGN SOME HOME GROWN TALENT!!! Spot on. How many top class English players can you name who abroad outside of the UK? Answer: If you can name more than one hands worth then you are doing far better than me.
January 30, 200817 yr Author how many top class English players are within our own borders :kink: Their might be a reason why there's barely any abroad, mainly being the ridiculous premium price tag that seems to placed on anyone English, and the fact clubs abroad can buy elsewhere cheaper. Just look at England's performance over the past 2 years. Overhyped, overpaid, and stuck over here.
January 30, 200817 yr I know Owen Hargreaves USED to play for the Bayern Munich. Most English players aren't that great. It's quite sad that he can't play in this country.
February 2, 200817 yr how many top class English players are within our own borders :kink: Their might be a reason why there's barely any abroad, mainly being the ridiculous premium price tag that seems to placed on anyone English, and the fact clubs abroad can buy elsewhere cheaper. Just look at England's performance over the past 2 years. Overhyped, overpaid, and stuck over here. England's performances have been bad because they've had the worst manager possible! Leaving out one of their key players for so long, STILL trying to play Gerrard and Lampard together for so long <_< and shoving an inexperienced goalkeeper in the deep end! Btw England players don't get paid for playing for England at all! They've given their wages to charity and you can't say there have been players that didn't try their best! Look at Beckham's impact when he came back, how Crouch fighted right to the end and how Gerrard even though he's forced to play in a different way in an England shirt has always managed to make an impact somehow! Not to mention the sheer dedication to football in general from Rooney and of course lets not forget Owen who always delivers for England.
February 2, 200817 yr Should have gone into Turkey, then get onto a lorry and illegally get into Britain. Then he'd be welcomed in with open arms. Well, terrorists are allowed into this country with open arms, so why not?
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