BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) U.S. forward Jovan Kirovski was turned down in his bid for a work permit to play for Birmingham of England's Premier League, but the team said Friday it will appeal.

The appeal process usually takes five-to-seven days. Birmingham, which acquired Kirovski from Crystal Palace on a free transfer, opens at defending champion Arsenal on Aug. 17.

Kirovski, 26, is from Escondido, Calif. He had been granted a work permit when he left Portugal's Sporting Lisbon in 2001 to join Crystal Palace.

A player has to have played in more than 75 percent of his national team's games during the previous two years to be given a British work permit to play soccer.

Kirovski has seven goals in 52 appearances for the United States and was selected as an alternate for this year's World Cup roster.

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