Lester Peltier's agent has blasted Trinidad &Tobago coach Wim Rijsbergen after the player failed to win his work permt appeal.
Lester Peltier's agent has blasted Trinidad &Tobago coach Wim Rijsbergen for not helping the player in his bid to win a move to Portsmouth.
Portsmouth planned to sign San Juan Jabloteh ace Peltier after he impressed during a trial period at Fratton Park earlier this year and they applied for a work permit for the midfielder
Peltier's application for a work permit went to an appeal because he had not met the criteria of 75 per cent of international appearances over the past two years.
At the appeal hearing on Thursday at the Home Office the player was deemed ineligible as he had not played for T&T in at least 75 per cent of their competitive games in which he was available for.
Peltier's agent and lawyer Paul Mohamed believes a dispute between San Jabloeth and Rijsbergen undermined the player's appeal and he has blamed Rijsbergen and the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) of denying the player the chance to win a move to England.
Disappointed
"We are extremely disappointed that a talent such Lester has not been given permission to further his career in the Premier League," Mohamed told
skysports.com.
"We had a very fair hearing. Harry Redknapp and Paul Hart made significant contributions and totally endorsed the player as an exceptional talent, but unfortunately his lack of senior international appearance has been held against him on this occasion.
"Harry was confident he would have contributed to his first team squad as he offered something different.
"I would like to thank Terry Fenwick for his valuable assistance throughout the appeal procedure.
"What disappoints me more than anything is the complete lack of co-operation by the TTFF, in particular, head coach Wim Rijsbergen.
"He categorically refused to co-operate with us in preparing the documentation to assist the appeal.
Anger
"Personally I think it is wrong for disputes and in-house politics at national level between the head coach and clubs to hold back a young player who wants to better himself, a chance to a earn a contract in the English Premier League.
"The TTFF and Rijsbergen need to take a serious look at themselves as ongoing disputes not only appear to be holding back the national team, but also players who want to try and progress abroad.
"What amazes me is Rijsbergen recently provided a written reference in support of the work permit appeal of Jason Scotland so what is the difference between Jason Scotland and Lester Peltier?
Mohamed also revealed that Peltier is set for a move to another European league with a number of clubs expressing an interest in the youngster.
"We will be looking at other options for Lester throughout Europe where there are a number of clubs interested in him," added Mohamed.
