Iraq star who failed to get work permit feels cheated
LONDON: Iraq soccer national Nashat Akram accused the British interior ministry of double standards by denying him a visa that would have made him the first Iraqi to play in England's Premier League, in comments published on Wednesday.
The Home Office rejected Akram's application for a British work permit last week, despite Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson making a personal appearance on his behalf.
City had agreed to transfer Akram from the Al-Ain club in the United Arab Emirates and he had impressed the coaching staff during a recent trial at the club.
According to The Times, Akram's visa application was denied because the Iraqi national team is ranked 72nd in the world, and the Home Office only accepts applications from the top 70 national teams.
"There are lots of players from African countries whose home leagues are not ranked well," Akram told the daily, adding that while he felt cheated, he would not appeal the decision.
"I want to ask why ... I wanted to pave the way for other Iraqis. I wanted to give them hope.
"It's like a judgment against my country ... I am upset and the Iraqi people are upset. There are a lot of people hoping I would be the first Iraqi to play in the British league.
"I want to find another club in a country where I am welcome."
Akram was one of the stars of the Iraq side that won the Asian Cup for the first time in July of last year and was also part of the squad that reached the semifinals of the 2004 Olympic soccer tournament.
Britain's Home Office does not comment on individual visa applications.
AFP
(China Daily 01/31/2008 page24)
