Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has expressed his disappointment at the FA's decision to deny Douglas Luiz a work permit for this season.
Luiz is a 20-year-old Brazilian who joined the club from Vasco da Gama in 2017. Last season he went out on loan to Girona, who are also owned by the City Football Group. On Thursday, the FA announced they would not grant him a work permit.
He's not allowed. We are going to try to help him to go on loan again and try to get the work permit. It's so difficult for me to understand. One guy who doesn't see the player or any training sessions every day has to judge if (Luiz) has the ability and quality to play. I accept the rules but I don't understand because anybody in the world can work wherever he wants.
The manager from Brazil and myself know more than the guys who decide he is not able to play. I am so sad and disappointed for Douglas because he could help us, play with us.
City were reported to have sent the FA video footage of the player. The FA rules on work permits are supposed to ensure only the highest quality of non-European player plays.
The defending Premier League champions get their campaign underway this Sunday as they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
