As expected, Collins Mbesuma has had his original application for a work permit refused by the Home Office. However whilst some had feared that Pompey would be way out with their original application, in fact it only came down to the fact that Zambia are currently ranked 70.57 in the world whereas they need to be in the top 70. It sounds harsh but rules are rules - although hopefully when the new rankings come out next week, Zambia should be safely within the top 70.
Even if they still fail to get the necessary world ratings there should be no problem bringing him in. In our own recent history there have been a couple of examples of players coming in despite not being "legally" allowed;
- Robert Prosinecki had played nowhere near the correct number of internationals but persuaded the Home Office that he had such talent that he would be a worthwhile addition to the English game. He even got heavyweights of the footballing world such as, er, Craig Brown, to write a letter in his support.
- Yakubu hadn't played enough games for his country due to club conflicts and being injured, but once the reasons were explained was granted a permit on appeal. Ignore any rumours you've heard about Portuguese wives because, although nowadays commonly accepted as the reason he got a permit, it's actually complete bollocks.
And of course we're not the only club who have played the Home Office like a cheap violin;
- Tim Howard had played nowhere near enough games for USA before his move to Manchester United although he was deemed to bring sufficient benefits to the English game (the gift of laughter, I presume).
- Juninho was allowed to return to Middlesbrough because it was decided like Prosinecki, that he had an exceptional talent. Not only that but I presume the government also wanted a good laugh about just how much money Steve Gibson is throwing away up at Boro.
So the bottom line is that it's far from time to panic. No doubt the local media will try and stir up a storm of fear and make out that he won't get a permit, but the club will have expected to have been refused and will have a watertight case lined up. By August 13th and the visit of Spurs he'll be a Portsmouth player - I'll bet my reputation on that (something well worth gambling with, obviously).
Out of interest, we'll know the reaction to the appeal on Thursday.