Daniel Cousin's £3million move from Rangers to Fulham has fallen through after FIFA refused to sanction the transfer.

Both clubs had been hopeful of the move going ahead even though FIFA regulations forbid a player from appearing for more than two clubs in one season.

Cousin, 30, had played 20 minutes as a substitute for French club Lens before his summer switch to Rangers and the football governing body are refusing to budge on their stance.

Cousin made no secret of his desire to play in the Barclays Premier League and looked set to realise that ambition ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

But a Fulham spokesperson confirmed: "Daniel has had to return to Rangers because FIFA won't change their policy on a player playing for more than two clubs in one season.

"Unfortunately, that means we will not be able to welcome Daniel Cousin to Fulham."

Asked whether the London club could resurrect their interest in the summer, the spokesperson added: "The FIFA ruling would not apply then so anything could happen."

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