Argyle dismayed by Ienaga ruling

Argyle say Ienaga was keen to come to England to play in the Championship

Plymouth Argyle say they are dismayed that they were not allowed to sign Japanese midfielder Akihiro Ienaga.

The 22-year-old from J-League side Gamba Osaka was refused a work permit because he had not played the required number of international matches.

"Plymouth Argyle Football Club is extremely disappointed at the FA appeal panel's decision not to grant Akihiro Ienaga a work-permit," the club said.

Ienaga spent 10 days on trial at Home Park before Christmas.

Ienaga has only won one full international cap for Japan but was named in the J-League All Stars team in 2007.

"Whilst Ienaga did not qualify under the strict interpretation of the rules, Argyle believed there had been extenuating circumstances for him not playing in the required number of full international matches, namely his inclusion in the Olympic qualifying team during 2007 and a cruciate ligament injury he sustained in 2008," the club added in its statement.

Despite the weight of evidence, the FA panel elected not to use their discretionary powers to grant Ienaga a "special talent" visa

Plymouth Argyle statement

Ienaga had letters of support from Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who signed Ienaga's compatriot Kozi Mizuno, as well as fellow Japanese internationals Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic and former Arsenal and Fulham player Junichi Inamoto.

"Despite the weight of evidence, the FA panel elected not to use their discretionary powers to grant Ienaga a "special talent" visa.

"Whilst the decision is particularly disappointing for Argyle, the club is also extremely dismayed for the player, who really wanted to come to England," the club added.

Argyle have been looking to sign a Japanese player since a 20% share of the club was bought by K and K Shonan Management last year.

Argyle now have a Japanese director on the board as well as a club president from the land of the rising sun.

The club will not be able to make a new bid for the player until the end of May.