FIFA block Cousin's move from Ibrox to Fulham

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain was "disappointed" with the decision which was taken after several weeks of deliberation.

Cousin, 31, has played for two clubs - Lens and Rangers - already this season and FIFA rules prevent a player appearing for three sides in the same campaign.

Rangers and Fulham had hoped FIFA would give the go-ahead to the move due to the fact Cousin played just 20 minutes as a substitute for the French club, but their appeal has been turned down and he will stay at Ibrox for the remainder of the season.

Cousin signed for Rangers on August 9 2007, for a fee of around £1million.

Crucially he played for Lens in the early stages of the French club's season before the deal went through.

Rangers and Fulham were optimistic that FIFA would exempt Cousin from the rule, which is found in article five of their player status regulations, because of the limited role he played for Lens.

Rangers were growing increasingly frustrated with the time it took FIFA to deliver the verdict, and their hopes of completing the deal were ended tonight as FIFA confirmed Cousin would be ineligible to play for Fulham.

Bain said: "It has been a frustrating time for all the parties concerned and we are disappointed that it has taken FIFA so long to make a decision.

"We received a good offer from Fulham for the player and entered into the proposed transfer fully aware he had already made two appearances for Lens before joining Rangers - one start in the Intertoto Cup in July and a late substitute appearance against Bordeaux in the French league."

Bain told Rangers' website, www.rangers.co.uk: "Both clubs' legal advisors agreed that there was solid ground for an appeal to FIFA and are disappointed with the decision which prevents Daniel from completing the move.

"As a result, Daniel remains a Rangers player, fully committed to helping the club push for domestic and European success this season."

The profit on Cousin was attractive to Rangers, and the player was keen on moving to the Barclays Premier League.

However the Gabon forward has come back into the Rangers team in the past fortnight and has pledged to give his all as Walter Smith's side seek trophies on four fronts.

Cousin said: "Obviously when I heard I had the opportunity to move to the Premiership and the offer was right both for myself and Rangers, it was difficult to turn down.

"However, I made it clear all along that I have enjoyed my time at Rangers and I am more than happy to stay, fight for my place and help the manager and the rest of the squad compete for silverware this season."