Portsmouth appeal after Mbesuma refusal

Portsmouth have appealed against the decision to deny their new striker Collins Mbesuma a work permit.

The south coast club claim the 21-year-old Zambian international has played enough games for his country to qualify for a permit, but that the African nation are ranked too low by FIFA.

Permits are automatically issued to players who have played in 75% of competitive internationals, providing their country rank in FIFA’s top 70.

Zambia currently stand 73rd, presenting the hitch to the deal going through smoothly.

Mbesuma, who last season scored 35 goals for South African champions Kaizer Chiefs, has agreed a three-year deal at Fratton Park.