FIFA have blocked the move of Daniel Cousin from Rangers to Fulham after a month of deliberation.

The Gabon striker was set to complete a £3 million move but had already played for Rangers and former club Lens in the same season, breaking regulations on players representing three clubs in a season.

"It has been a frustrating time for all the parties concerned and we are disappointed that it has taken FIFA so long to make a decision," Rangers chief executive Martin Bain told the club website. "We received a good offer from Fulham for the player and entered into the proposed transfer fully aware he had already made two appearances for Lens before joining Rangers - one start in the Intertoto Cup in July and a late substitute appearance against Bordeaux in the French league.

"Both clubs' legal advisors agreed that there was solid ground for an appeal to FIFA and are disappointed with the decision which prevents Daniel from completing the move.

"As a result, Daniel remains a Rangers player, fully committed to helping the club push for domestic and European success this season."

French-born Cousin struggled to win over the Ibrox faithful since joining the club in the summer and Roy Hodgson's Cottagers made a bid for the player who, by the letter of the law, would be ineligible until the 2008/9 season as FIFA bans players from representing more than two clubs in the same campaign.

But Cousin is also happy to stay at the SPL leaders, and has received the backing of his coach Walter Smith and his team-mates.

"Obviously when I heard I had the opportunity to move to the Premiership and the offer was right both for myself and Rangers, it was difficult to turn down," the player himself said.

"However, I made it clear all along that I have enjoyed my time at Rangers and I am more than happy to stay, fight for my place and help the manager and the rest of the squad compete for silverware this season."

Reda Maher / Eurosport