We will be hoping to bring news of the Hammers work permit application for Monaco striker Lacina Traore within the next few hours.
But in the meantime Claretandhugh has been looking at the ins and outs of yesterday’s appeals in the light of Football Association chief Greg Dyke’s speech on the issues last year.
He made a point of highlighting the work permit system which allows non EU players into the Premier League .
And he believes any other than top quality players will contribute towards holding back the development of young English players..
He publicly declared the need to tighten the criteria for foreign players entering the country.
Yesterday’s hearing was in front of an FA appointed work permit appeal panel who had to decide whether Traore is of the highest calibre and consider whether the player is able to contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in England.
The committee was made up of one representative from each of the Football Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Premier League as well as three independent football experts selected from a list of ex-professional players and Managers with a good knowledge of both domestic and international football.
The Club requires a majority positive vote in order for the appeal to be successful.
If the appeal is unsuccessful at panel a further panel cannot be requested for the same player within four months of the original appeal date.
Sources close to the FA understand the political undertones following Greg Dyke’s speech are keen to demonstrate these appeal panels are robust in their duty to deny all but the very best players who could be said to contribute significantly to the development of the game in the Premier League.
And whilst the Irons remain confident of a successful outcome count on nothing until the formal decision is made.
