Mascherano in West Ham Limbo

It is claimed that Mascherano had a medical with Liverpool and would definitely be signed by the Reds but FIFA are standing by their rule that no player can play for more than two clubs in twelve months.

A FIFA spokesman yesterday told The Times,

"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.

In the case of Mascherano or 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."