Iraqi footballer refused work permit

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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.