Rangers chief Walter Smith has insisted FIFA's timing could not be any worse as the transfer saga surrounding Daniel Cousin's protracted move to Fulham finally looks set to come to an end.
Rangers and Fulham struck a deal back on January 22 but require special dispensation for the transfer to be completed because Cousin has also played for French side Lens this term and regulations forbid a player from appearing for more than two clubs in one season.
The lengthy wait for a decision has left both teams in limbo, with Rangers reluctant to make use of the Gabon international even though he remains on their books for the time being.
He said: "Even the date in getting a resolution to the problem has been an awkward one.
"From our own point of view, it's rather awkward in the sense that, depending on when it happens tomorrow, it affects his availability for the game tomorrow night. We'll just have to wait and see.
"I have to prepare for the game, which we will do this afternoon and tomorrow, so it makes it an awkward situation as far as we are concerned.
"If it had happened today or on Thursday then we wouldn't have the problems on the day when we are meant to be playing, which is the worst aspect of it.
"If we did choose him and then found out he had been transferred to Fulham, it's a bit unfair to use him in those circumstances.
"We have been thinking of using him over the last few games and we have left him out so it would look as though, at this stage, he will miss the match for that reason."
