Transfer blow: Phoenix denied Birmingham City loan striker

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 Competitions Manager 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.”

Phoenix face Newcastle Jets this weekend in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League following a sensational 5-2 win on the weekend at Western Sydney Wanderers.