FIFA have refused to ratify the loan transfer of Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe to Everton from Club Brugge.
The Toffees agreed a late deal a week ago and believed the required documentation had been submitted just before last Friday’s 11 p.m. deadline.
However, the move required the green light from world football’s governing body and a week later FIFA have decided not to rubber-stamp the deal for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Everton said: “The decision comes despite both the FA and Premier League giving their full support to the loan agreement and Everton lodging the relevant paperwork in advance of the transfer deadline on August 31.”
Marseille hopeful over Barton
Marseille are hoping to have Joey Barton fit in time to make his debut in September 20’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
The French Football League confirmed on Friday that the on-loan QPR’s midfielder’s 12-match suspension will still apply after his move to France. But the midfielder is available for the club’s Europa League matches.
Fitness coach Christophe Manouvrier said: “Because of everything he has had a 10-week holiday, so we have prepared a specific programme for him.
“He could not play 90 minutes but the end of a match, yes. If the coach needs him against Fener, we will make sure he is ready.”
McClean apology
Ireland winger James McClean has apologised for his foul-mouthed tweet following Friday night’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan, admitting it was “stupid” and “disrespectful”.
McClean was furious at not being called off the bench during the clash in Astana, which the Republic won 2-1 thanks to late goals from Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle.
He wrote: “i apologise for my tweet last night, it was stupid, disrespectful and i let my frustration get the better of me which still aint an excuse.”
Diakite laughs off depression talk
QPR midfielder Samba Diakite has reacted with dismay to “ridiculous” reports that he is being treated for depression.
Diakite returned home to France nearly two weeks ago and yesterday it was suggested that his absence was due to his battle with depression.
However, the 23-year-old Mali international had been granted compassionate leave to deal with a delicate personal matter and has already resumed training with QPR.
“Frankly, I do not understand why some people start rumours like that,” Diakite said.
“I was a bit tired in the last few days and my club allowed me to spend three days in Paris. But I am not depressed.”
Inzaghi lauds Milan’s Pazzini
Pippo Inzaghi has given his blessing to new Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini after the striker hit a hat-trick on his full debut against Bologna last week.
“I hoped he would arrive, because in my mind he was the centre-forward Milan were missing,” Inzaghi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, only someone with Pazzini’s characteristics can score those goals. I know Giampaolo well and we spoke before he signed the contract. He was very fired up.
“I am not surprised he got off to such a good start. He has instinct, can ‘see’ the goal and is very strong in the air. This season he can score 15-20 goals.”
Lucas set for scouting role
Lucas Leiva will take on a scouting role at Liverpool while he recovers from a thigh injury.
The 25-year-old midfielder is facing up to three months out after suffering the problem at the start of a Premier League match against Manchester City on August 26.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that giving Lucas some scouting work will keep his spirits up as he recovers.
“Lucas is at home for a bit and he has good days and bad days,” Rodgers said.
“We will keep his spirits up and I’m going use him to go out and look at some games for me with my analyst. Tactically, he’s very good. I want to make sure that he stays in the game.”
Redknapp lands Bournemouth job
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made a surprise return to the game on Friday after accepting an advisory role at League One club Bournemouth.
Redknapp was sacked by Spurs at the end of last season after falling out with chairman Daniel Levy and has been linked with several managerial jobs since then including his former club Southampton and the Russia national team post.
But the 65-year-old has been tempted back to work by a less glamorous position as an advisor to another of his old clubs.
Chairman Eddie Mitchell told Bournemouth’s website: “I met Harry for a chat this morning and he offered to come in on a voluntary basis.