New Cork City signings Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly may be unavailable for the start of the season on Friday week following Fifa's decision to block the transfers yesterday.

World soccer's governing body rejected both players registrations as they have already played for two other clubs within the last 12 months. Under Fifa rules a player cannot play competitively for more than two clubs between July 1st and June 30th the following year.

Cork intend to appeal Fifa's decision but whether that hearing will be heard before the season kicks off on March 9th with a trip to Waterford United is unclear.

Cork will point to the precedent set by Javier Mascherano, who recently signed for Liverpool despite having played for both West Ham and Corinthians, when their case goes before Fifa's Player Status Committee.