Zaki snubs Pompey over Israeli staff

Portsmouth transfer target Amr Zaki has stunned the club by claiming he will not play for them due to the presence of Israelis Avram Grant and Tal Ben Haim.

The former Wigan striker responded to rumours Pompey would attempt a new bid for his services in January having failed in the summer by insisting the return of Grant as director of football made such a move impossible.

"I refused their offer before, but now joining Portsmouth is no longer an option for me," the 26-year-old wrote on his official website.

"After Portsmouth signed an Israeli player and also hired an Israeli football director, a possible move was ruled out."

Zaki, currently playing for Zamalek in his native Egypt, added that Portsmouth's Algerian left-back Nadir Belhadj was also a stumbling block to any move.

Egypt, the first Arab nation to recognise Israel in 1969, missed out on a place in the World Cup last week after losing 1-0 in a playoff to Algeria.

"On top of that, no way could I play at Portsmouth with an Algerian within their ranks," Zaki added.

Zaki is no stranger to controversy having been dubbed "highly unprofessional" by then Wigan manager Steve Bruce last season for consistently returning late from international duty.