The French Football League has announced that Hatem Ben Arfa will not be eligible to play for Nice this season after joining the Ligue 1 side from Newcastle United earlier this month.
The winger, who had a loan spell with Hull City earlier this season, was released from his contract with the Premier League side ahead of his move back to France, but FIFA rules prevent players from representing more than two clubs a season.
After the club appealed the ruling on the basis that Ben Arfa's only match for the Magpies this season was with the youth side, the LFP released a statement saying: "[The judge] felt that the matches played in England as part of the 'U21 Professional Development League' should be considered as official matches within the meaning of Article 5-3 of the Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players of FIFA.
"Pursuant to this decision, the Legal Committee of the LFP, which met in emergency session this afternoon, has no choice but to prohibit Hatem Ben Arfa to participate in official meetings with the OGC Nice until the end of this season."
Ben Arfa will be able to train with the club.
Sian Cowper
