Blackpool were able to field Wes Hoolahan in today's Coca-Cola Championship match against Leicester City but the winger remains the subject of a dispute with Scottish club Livingston which FIFA will adjudicate on.
The Scottish club claim Blackpool reneged on a payment during his season-long loan from Livi last season, and thereby forfeited the right to activate a £75,000 release clause installed in the original deal.
Although Hoolahan has agreed personal terms for a permanent move to Blackpool, Livingston are adamant that a two-year deal would be invalid due to the English club's failure to fulfil the financial obligations of the original loan.
The Scottish Football Association requested that Hoolahan be registered with Livingston, but FIFA blocked that effort.
FIFA's dispute resolution committee are set to make the final decision in the dispute between the clubs.
Livingston chief executive Vivien Kyles said: 'We have had interest in Wes from other clubs in England and we expect that to be a factor when it comes to the determination of suitable compensation.'
Blackpool secretary Matt Williams said: 'The club maintain their position against Livingston and insist they are not in breach of the loan agreement.'
