Sport | Football
Government deny Iraqi permit to play for City
Nashat Akram said on Saturday he was disappointed his dream of becoming the first Iraqi to play in England's Premier League had been dashed by a government decision to deny him a work permit.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:33 January 26, 2008
Baghdad: Nashat Akram said on Saturday he was disappointed his dream of becoming the first Iraqi to play in England's Premier League had been dashed by a government decision to deny him a work permit.
Premier League club Man City had hoped to sign Akram, who had been on trial with the club and attended training sessions with them, from Dubai's Al Ain.
But Akram vowed to use the Home Office (interior ministry) decision as motivation to raise the profile of Iraqi players.
"It was my big dream to become the first Iraqi player to play in the English Premier League," the 21-year-old said.
"I have the ambition to show the skills of Iraqi players in the strongest league in the world. I will prove that Iraqi players deserve to play in any league in the world," he said.
Manchester City said its appeal against an earlier Home Office decision had been rejected despite representations from manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"This is a big blow and a great disappointment to us," Eriksson said.
"I have huge sympathy for Nashat. He is a very good footballer with an excellent pedigree."
More from Football
More from Sport
Multimedia
Sport Editor's choice
-
Iran favourites to win Futsal crown
Japan have shown potential to challenge defending champions
-
UAE coach in pledge to improve fitness
Fitness will be a key area of improvement for UAE rugby coach
-
Champions and owner party all night
Shah Rukh Khan and Kolkata Knight Riders players celebrated in dressing room, hotel
