He's flown around the world but Alex Jones won't play a single match for the Wellington Phoenix, after his loan to the club was denied.
It was revealed last week that a paperwork botch up in getting FIFA clearance for the signing prevented the English striker being registered before the transfer window closed.
The Phoenix appealed to FIFA to make an exception based on the transfer window closing on a public holiday in New Zealand.
However, FIFA have today declined the application to approve Jones' transfer.
"While FIFA acknowledged the individual circumstances at NZF which led to the delay of Alex's transfer, they have ruled to protect the integrity of their global deadlines for the transfer of players," New Zealand Football Head of National Competitions Daniel Farrow said.
"Given the unfortunate circumstances, we are obviously disappointed at the outcome for both Alex and the Wellington Phoenix."
Jones had continued to train with the Phoenix, but will now return to England.
Newshub.
