Heart of Midlothian have been blocked in their bid to recruit Rudi Skacel for a third time.
The Tynecastle fan favourite was set to link up with the Jambos for the rest of the campaign under the Edinburgh clubs 'one in, one out' transfer banner which is in place because of their administration issues.
Hearts cancelled the playing contract of goalkeeping coach Alan Combe in order to bring 34-year old Czech midfielder Skacel back but the SPFL have rejected the move.
"In relation to the application to register Rudi Skacel, the board considered a range of factors, including the fact that 34-year-old midfielder Skacel was being proposed to replace a 39-year-old goalkeeper/goalkeeping coach who has not appeared on any first-team squad list in any Premiership match for Heart of Midlothian this season," read a SPFL statement.
Hearts administrator Bryan Jackson added: "We are disappointed that the application for Rudi Skacel was rejected but understand the reasons for the SPFL's decision."
