Footballer Victor Wanyama's UK work permit appeal looks to have been successful, according to preliminary reports.
The 20-year-old Kenyan international player had his initial request for a UK work permit refused when he applied for a transfer to Celtic. This was due to the world position of Kenya's national team. The African nation is ranked at 130 on FIFA's latest list, while players wishing to receive UK work permits easily, need to be ranked within the top 75 countries.
However, the Scottish team convinced an independent panel from the Scottish Football Association that Wanyama's skill, evidenced in his 11 caps for his country, would make a significant impact on Scottish football.
A statement from the SFA read: "Following an appeal by Celtic FC on behalf of Victor Wanyama, the Scottish FA has today issued the club with a Governing Body Endorsement.
"The player must now complete his work permit application with the UK Border Agency."
As part of the appeal, Neil Lennon, Celtic's manager, made his case to take the Kenyan on via a conference call from Australia, where he is on a pre-season tour with the first-team squad. Earlier this month, Lennon stated that Wanyama has been signed predominately as a central defender.