Hatem Ben Arfa’s proposed move to OGC Nice from Premier League side Newcastle United has fallen through after a FIFA ruling on the transfer. FIFA concluded that Ben Arfa had played in an official match for Newcastle earlier this season (during a youth tournament), and thus Nice would be the third club (after Newcastle and Hull City) which the Frenchman would have represented this season, which is against FIFA regulations.
The French Football Federation informed Nice of the ruling by FIFA and, since Nice had ensured that Ben Arfa’s contract would be void if FIFA did not validate it, the move has fallen through. Ben Arfa, 27, had fallen out of favour at Newcastle, where he was banished to the reserves by ex-manager Alan Pardew last season.
[PHOTO: Zimbio.com]
