Extraordinary twist means departed Eastleigh defender Bondz N'Gala cannot play for new club

Unbeknown to the League One side, a change of FIFA rules means players can only appear for a maximum of two clubs they are contracted to during any one season.

In N’Gala’s case, he had already played for Sky Bet League Two side Barnet before moving to National League outfit Eastleigh for a club record fee of £60,000 in November.

He signed for Gillingham yesterday, having been released from contract by Eastleigh, but the Gills today revealed the bombshell news that he is unable to play for them in 2016/17.

The Gillingham statetement said: “Unbeknown to the EFL (English Football League) and Gillingham Football Club, FIFA, football's governing body, modified their rules and regulations regarding player appearances and contracts for the 2016/17 season.

“The new law lists National League sides as professional clubs; as a result, players are only permitted to make competitive appearances for a maximum of two teams they are contracted to during any one campaign.

“As a result of defender Bondz N'Gala playing for both Barnet (Sky Bet League Two) and Eastleigh (National League) during the 2016/17 season, this unhelpful regulation means that he will not be able to play for Gillingham FC.

“Club chairman Paul Scally and head coach Ady Pennock are both extremely disappointed by this outcome. However, the club were not made aware of this regulation, one that has also scuppered signings at other EFL clubs in the past 48 hours.

The club will not be commenting further on this issue.”

N’Gala’s case is a curious one all round. After splashing out a record fee for him during Ronnie Moore’s time as manager, Eastleigh released him by mutual consent little more than two months later.

Spitfires’ chairman Stewart Donald estimates the defender’s brief stay has cost him in the region of £100,000 but said the money freed up in wages would go towards funding a striker for Martin Allen's new-look side next season.