FIFA GIVE MASCHERANO GO-AHEAD

Paul Eaton 31 January 2007 FIFA have given Javier Mascherano permission to play for Liverpool if he completes his move to Anfield, but the Reds are now waiting to hear whether the deal will be sanctioned by the Premier League.

The game's governing body has agreed to the move even though the player has already played for two clubs in the past twelve months. A FIFA statement read: "After due consideration of all aspects, the Fifa single judge ruled that, 'Upon registration for Liverpool FC during the present registration period, the player Javier Mascherano is eligible to play in official matches with the said club with immediate effect'." Despite FIFA giving their green light to the deal, Liverpool are still waiting to hear if the Premier League will allow it to progress. A Liverpool spokesman said: "FIFA have confirmed the player is entitled to play for Liverpool. "However, the move from West Ham still needs to be ratified by the Premier League and we await their decision."