Former Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa remains in limbo at Nice.

The 27-year-old is keen to join the Ligue 1 club as a free agent after his Newcastle contract was cancelled earlier this month, but could be prevented by FIFA rules which state a player cannot play for more than two clubs in the same season.

Ben Arfa's appearance for Newcastle's Under-21 team on August 25, before moving on loan to Hull, was considered an official match by FIFA.

A statement published on Nice's official website read: "There is no decision today regarding approval for Hatem Ben Arfa's contract.

"The France international, who remains in Nice training for the derby (against Marseille) with his team-mates, is in a state of limbo.

"The League would like the international federation (FIFA) to express an official position before it makes its decision. To that end, the LFP has asked the FFF to communicate with FIFA's Player Status Committee."