MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 13:39:36| >> :600:197593:197593:

Nice optimistic of Hatem Ben Arfa ratification

Nice manager Claude Puel is convinced that they will get the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa over the line despite contradictions with FIFA's transfer regulations.

Nice manager Claude Puel is not concerned that their signing of Hatem Ben Arfa will be scuppered by FIFA's transfer regulations.

The Ligue 1 club snapped up the French playmaker on a free transfer last week, following his release by Newcastle United.

However, he has yet to receive international clearance as a clause in FIFA's transfer laws states that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in the same season, with Ben Arfa having spent time on loan at Hull City before leaving St James' Park for good.

Puel does not think that there will be any late hitches, telling reporters: "For us, his eligibility is not in doubt.

"The English federation wrote to the French federation and to FIFA explaining that the match played by Hatem [for Newcastle] did not count towards an official competition."

Ben Arfa did not play for Newcastle's first team in any Football Association-recognised competition this season.

ID:198915: cacheID:198915:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1879:
Written by
Joe Fish
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa and Cardiff's Aron Gunnarsson in action during their FA Cup third round match on January 4, 2013
Read Next:
Ben Arfa would have 'snubbed Real for Nice'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Paris Saint-GermainPSG16124044143040
2Marseille1593332181430
3MonacoMonaco1693426161030
4Lille1576225151027
5Lyon157442720725
6Nice156632819924
7Lens156631914524
8Auxerre156362323021
9Toulouse156361717021
10Reims155552018220
11Brest156182427-319
12Rennes155282020017
13StrasbourgStrasbourg154562527-217
14NantesNantes153571724-714
15Angers153481426-1213
16Saint-EtienneSt Etienne1541101234-2213
17Le HavreLe Havre1540111129-1812
18Montpellier HSCMontpellier1523101538-239


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!