Wizards M Marinelli receives work visa, declared eligible

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (TICKER) —Kansas City Wizards midfielder Carlos Marinelli was declared eligible to play Friday after receiving his work visa.

The news came one day after the Argentine signed with the Wizards at undisclosed terms.

An attacking midfielder who will wear the coveted No. 10 jersey, Marinelli joined the Wizards last week to acclimate himself to the United States and begin practicing with the team.

Kansas City opens its season Saturday at D.C. United, but Wizards coach Curt Onalfo has not announced whether Marinelli will play in the match.

Marinelli, 25, has spent time in the English Premier League with Middlesbrough, Torino of Italy’s Serie A and Spoting Braga of the Portugese first division.