Cardiff City told head of recruitment Alisher Apsalyamov must not work for the club while work permit investigation continues

The controversial replacement for Iain Moody is believed to have a permit that allows him to work with the club for 12 months only

Alisher Apsalyamov is a friend of the club owner Vincent Tan's (middle) sons (Getty Images)

Cardiff's controversial head of recruitment Alisher Apsalyamov will not work for the Barclays Premier League club while the Home Office investigates his work permit situation, Press Association Sport understands.

The 23-year-old Kazakh, a friend of club owner Vincent Tan's sons, replaced Iain Moody earlier this month in a move which cast doubt over manager Malky Mackay's long-term future at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Reports on Thursday suggested Apsalyamov had been asked to step down from the role but it is understood that, while he is not currently operating for the Bluebirds in an official capacity, he retains the position while his visa documentation is assessed.

Moody - a long-time collaborator of Scottish coach Mackay, who helped recruit players including Gary Medel and Stephen Caulker in the summer - was initially suspended by the club before Apsalyamov was installed in his post on October 9.

After talks with the Cardiff board, Mackay rejected suggestions he was preparing to resign and the former Watford manager reaffirmed his commitment to the south Wales club.

PA