World football's governing body FIFA on Friday again refused to validate the transfer of Hatem Ben Arfa from Newcastle to Nice because it deemed the France international has already played for two clubs this season, a source close to the case said.

According to the source, FIFA upheld their decision taken 10 days ago that because the Ben Arfa turned out for Newcastle's under-21 team at the beginning of the season and also played for Premiership side Hull, on loan, he cannot join a third team during the current season.

The French Football Federation (FFF) are set to meet later on Friday to make a further decision on Ben Arfa's status with the 27-year-old effectively without a club until next season.

The English Football Association (FA) wrote to FIFA on January 23 in a bid to clear up confusion concerning the transfer of the French international midfielder.

"We don't consider U21 games as official matches," the FA said in letter to FIFA, in a bid to "clear all ambiguity" concerning Ben Arfa's case.

Nice football club, Ben Arfa and his lawyer have yet to comment or take action on the latest ruling as they wait for further action from the FFF.