New Zealand Football confirmed today the FIFA Player Status Committee have declined the application to approve the short-term loan transfer of Alex Jones from Birmingham City to the Wellington Phoenix.

New Zealand Football Head of Nationals Competitions Daniel Farrow said: “While FIFA acknowledged the individual circumstances at NZF which led to the delay of Alex’s transfer, they have ruled to protect the integrity of their global deadlines for the transfer of players.”

“Given the unfortunate circumstances, we are obviously disappointed at the outcome for both Alex and the Wellington Phoenix.”