Daniel Cousin's £3m transfer from Rangers to Fulham has collapsed after FIFA refused to rubber-stamp the deal last night.

Players are forbidden from appearing for more than two clubs in one season and Cousin's 20 minute stint for Lens in the summer means he has already featured for two clubs this term.

However, Fulham had been hopeful of appealing the decision given the precedent set by Javier Mascherano who played for Corinthians, West Ham and Liverpool last season.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said: "He played for 20 minutes [for Lens] before being transferred to Rangers and that seems a harsh penalty."

The 30-year-old striker will now return to Rangers who are now unlikely to move for Aston Villa's Luke Moore following FIFA's decision.