Nice optimistic of Hatem Ben Arfa ratification

Nice manager Claude Puel is not concerned that their signing of Hatem Ben Arfa will be scuppered by FIFA's transfer regulations.

The Ligue 1 club snapped up the French playmaker on a free transfer last week, following his release by Newcastle United.

However, he has yet to receive international clearance as a clause in FIFA's transfer laws states that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in the same season, with Ben Arfa having spent time on loan at Hull City before leaving St James' Park for good.

Puel does not think that there will be any late hitches, telling reporters: "For us, his eligibility is not in doubt.

"The English federation wrote to the French federation and to FIFA explaining that the match played by Hatem [for Newcastle] did not count towards an official competition."

Ben Arfa did not play for Newcastle's first team in any Football Association-recognised competition this season.