Former Newcastle star considers retirement after Nice move blocked
Published:
Former Newcastle United and one-time Hull City midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is reportedly considering early retirement, according to reports.
L’Equipe is claiming that the former Marseille and Lyon star may opt to hang up his boots after having a January move to Nice blocked by FIFA.
Ben Arfa had been set to sign with the Ligue 1 club a couple of weeks ago but failed to get international clearance for the move after football’s governing body deemed that the winger had already appeared for two clubs this season.
Under FIFA regulations no player can feature for more than two teams in any one season and while Ben Arfa spent the majority of the campaign thus far on loan at the KC Stadium, he also appeared in a reserve league game for Newcastle prior to the move.
The 27-year-old may now opt to take time out from the game, with Newcastle previously terminating his contract with the Magpies and Hull manager Steve Bruce against the idea of bringing the Frenchman back to the club.
He would have to wait until next season to feature for Nice and faces an uncertain future that could see him turn his back on football altogether.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.
