Nice have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Hatem Ben Arfa after FIFA ruled that his move to the club breaks their transfer regulations.

The Ligue 1 club snapped up the French playmaker on a free transfer last week, after Newcastle United released him from his St James' Park contract.

Manager Claude Puel was optimistic that they would receive international clearance for the 27-year-old, despite the fact that he has already played for two clubs this season, having spent time on loan at Hull City.

Article 5.3 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players states: "Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs."

Ben Arfa did not represent Newcastle's first team this season, but made an appearance for the club's Under-21 side earlier in the campaign, which has been ruled by FIFA to be an 'official' match.