Akram refused City work permit

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.

Sven-Goran Eriksson had hoped to sign Akram, a star of Iraq's Asian Cup-winning side but it appears the 24-year-old cannot travel to the UK because of a technicality of immigration rules for footballers - which stipulate his national side must be in the top 70 of the FIFA rankings.

City boss Eriksson told the club's official website, www.mcfc.uk: "This is a big blow and a great disappointment to us."

He added: "I have huge sympathy for Nashat. He is a very good footballer with an excellent international pedigree.

"He has now returned to the Middle East, and we will keep in touch with him. He is somebody we will maintain an interest in for the long term."

Manchester City have already lost an appeal against the Home Office decision, but hope remains after the Iraqi government took up Akram's cause.

Midfielder 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 Barclays 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.