Fifa look ready to scupper Liverpool's attempt to sign Javier
Mascherano on a loan deal, despite reports indicating that the
Argentinian midfielder is close to a move to Merseyside.
Mascherano looks set to become one of the first departures under
new West Ham boss Alan Curbishley after failing to adjust to life
in the Premiership since his shock transfer deadline day signing
from Corinthians.
The holding midfielder has pleaded with The Hammers to let him seek
pastures new, and Reds boss Benitez has reputedly offered
Mascherano an escape route from his Upton Park malaise.
Widespread reports in the English media indicate that talks
regarding a loan switch to Anfield are at an advanced stage, but
Fifa rules prohibit a player from appearing for three separate
sides in the same season.
Now a spokesman for the governing body has confirmed that the rules
will not be broken to facilitate Mascherano's potential move to
Merseyside.
"The rules are very clear. Article 5.3 states that, although a
player can be registered for a maximum of three clubs during the
period from 1st July to 30th June, he is only eligible to play in
official matches for two clubs in this period," a Fifa spokesman
told The Times.
"In the case of Mascherano or [Carlos] Tevez, they have already
played for Corinthians and West Ham United.
"The rule is binding. It cannot be deactivated just because it
suits the clubs and the player in a certain instance.
"These rules were drawn up to protect the interests of players and
clubs and to provide more stability in football.
"If a case was formally submitted to the Fifa bodies, then of
course the Fifa bodies would look at it, but the view from our
legal department is very clear that the regulations cannot be
broken."