Watford star Bangura will learn his fate next week

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Bangura will travel with club officials to a hearing where six experts will decide whether the 19-year-old should be given a permit to work in this country in exceptional circumstances.

Scroll down for more

Worrying wait: Bangura (left) and Boothroyd

The panel will be made up of three Home Office officials and three football experts who will judge the merit of his case as a footballer who can add to the status of the professional game in this country.

A club statement read: "Following the concession from the Government, Watford Football Club have been working hard to obtain and collate the documentary evidence needed to display to the panel that Bangura's talent as a professional is undeniable and that a return to Africa would all but end his career as a top-class footballer.

"We hope to be able to bring news of the result of the panel's findings early next week."

Bangura was refused leave to stay in the UK last month and was set to be deported to his native Sierra Leone.

But after a meeting with Home Office minister Liam Byrne the club were handed the unusual option of applying for a work permit.

Bangura's chances of obtaining a work permit would normally be slim as he is uncapped and Sierra Leone are outside the top 70 nations in FIFA's rankings.

Labour MP Claire Ward was instrumental in persuading Byrne to schedule the meeting and said last month: "Because Al wouldn't qualify automatically for a work permit his case will be considered by an independent panel which will include members of the Home Office and members of the football world.

"They will consider his track record and what he brings to the game and then recommend to the Home Office whether he should be allowed to stay.

"It's a matter now for the panel to judge the sort of things that Watford fans have been seeing over the last few seasons which is just how good Al is."

Bangura has yet to feature in the league this season after a succession of injuries but made 16 appearances in the Premier League last season as the Hornets were relegated.