Fifa threaten to torpedo Tammy Abraham’s move from Chelsea to Wolves due to bizarre rule

TAMMY ABRAHAM’S move to Wolves is under massive threat because of a match he played in for Chelsea Under-23s.

The 21-year-old is trying to establish if Fifa recognise his August appearance in Premier League 2 against Derby as a competitive match, which would rule out a January move.

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Players are not allowed to feature for three teams in a season and Abraham was loaned to Aston Villa after his Under-23 match.

Hatem Ben Arfa had his registration delayed at Nice four years ago in a similar case.

He joined the French club from Hull but Fifa ruled his one appearance for Newcastle Under-21s as an official match.

The France midfielder had to wait until the following season before making his debut for the new club.

The delay centred around article 5.3 of Fifa's regulations on the status and transfer of players.

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They state: “Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.”

And the case could come down to the definition of an official match, which Fifa define as: “Matches played within the framework of organised football, such as national league championships, national cups and international championships for clubs, but not including friendly and trial matches.”

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Abraham has scored 16 goals on loan at Villa Park this season and boss Dean Smith is desperate to keep him at the club.

But his form has attracted interest from Premier League clubs looking to snap him up for the second half of the season.

Wolves are prepared to take him on a permanent deal to boost Nuno Espirito Santo’s attack.

Abraham’s appearance in the Community Shield is considered a friendly but the Premier League 2 clash means the deal has hit a massive snag, with Fifa now set to make a decision on the matter.