FIFA trapped in no-win situation over Cousin

Walter Smith has given up hope of decisive action from , FIFA, world football's governing body, over the pending £3m transfer of Daniel Cousin to Fulham.

It is understood the prevarication from Geneva has been caused by the growing realisation that preventing the 30-year-old from moving - despite FIFA regulations prohibiting a player being registered to three clubs in one season - would be rendered illegal under European Union legislation on restriction of trade.

FIFA had intimated to Rangers that a decision would be made by last Friday but that date has passed with no further indication of timescale.

In the meantime, Rangers have reintroduced Cousin to first-team duty after six weeks of bureaucracy, while Fulham's survival bid continues to flounder, with Roy Hodgson's side now second bottom of the Barclays Premier League.
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Cousin scored in the 4-2 win against Gretna at the weekend and is expected to start again tonight against Hearts. Fulham remain obliged to proceed with the transfer even though they now only have 11 games remaining in which to preserve their top-flight status.

Only Cousin can invalidate the deal between the buying and selling club as FIFA find themselves in a no-win situation. Approving the transfer could lead to legal recourse from players prevented from increasing their earning capacity in similar circumstances during previous transfer windows, while blocking the transfer could lead to legal action if Cousin wishes to pursue.

Smith, who has long since wearied of the melodrama, revealed he would have restored Cousin to first-team action sooner if FIFA had forewarned them of the arduous appeal process.

As his side attempt to complete 10 straight wins in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Smith applauded the level of attainment in the second phase of their title challenge but acknowledged Celtic's dogged pursuit.

"We have been on a really good run but we do not find ourselves a great deal better off in terms of league position because Celtic have been matching that level of consistency," he said.

"We have stopped dropping points like we did in the first quarter but we need to maintain the consistency throughout the rest of the season."

Kevin Thomson is likely to return as a substitute for tonight's visit to Tynecastle. The midfielder has completed his rehabilitation from a double hernia operation but Steven Davis is expected to keep his starting place after an impressive display against Gretna. Sasa Papac returns but Brahim Hemdani, Steven Whittaker and Lee McCulloch remain doubts.

Taken from the Herald