Motherwell's McCall denied in bid for Leeds United's Grella

LEEDS United striker Mike Grella's loan move to Stuart McCall's Motherwell has been blocked by the Scottish FA - due to a FIFA ruling on loan players.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jan 2011, 16:24 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2011, 16:29 BST

Grella, who had agreed to join the Scottish club until the end of the season, had his hopes dashed after it emerged FIFA rules don't allow players to play for three clubs in one season.

The American had made two substitute appearances for Leeds before his emergency loan move to Carlisle United earlier in the season.

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Motherwell issued the following statement: "It was both clubs' understanding that emergency loans do not count when calculating the number of clubs a player has played for.

"However, whilst completing clearance formalities with the Scottish Football Association last night, they highlighted an issue due to the cross-border nature of the transfer and his move from the Elland Road club will now not be allowed to be completed."

Grella is now looking for an English club for the rest of the season while former Bradofrd city man McCall will continue his search for another striker.

Motherwell chief executive Leeann Cempster said: "Our focus now is to provide Stuart McCall with all the tools he needs to bring in additional players."

Related topics:MotherwellLeeds UnitedFIFAScottish FA