Lewis O’Brien has not hidden his disappointment after his move from Nottingham Forest to Blackburn Rovers was blocked by an independent arbitrator.
The 24-year-old has been in limbo since the collapse of his January move to Blackburn Rovers. O'Brien had been due to join the Championship side on loan for the rest of the campaign, but an issue over the timing of the paperwork being filed before the window closed meant the switch was not approved.
An appeal was lodged by Rovers, with the hearing taking place today (Wednesday, March 1). But an EFL statement, released tonight, read: “An independent arbitration panel has dismissed the claim of Blackburn Rovers, in which it challenged the EFL’s refusal to register Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien on loan on 31 January.
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“The EFL rejected the application to register the Player on the grounds that Blackburn had failed to supply all the required information by the relevant deadline. The Board subsequently endorsed that decision.
“Upon review of all the evidence, the independently appointed arbitrator, William Norris KC, determined that the EFL correctly interpreted and applied its Regulations and associated Guidance.
“There is no further right of appeal, and Lewis O’Brien’s registration will remain with Nottingham Forest.”
Soon after the announcement, O’Brien, who joined Forest from Huddersfield last summer, took to social media to react to the verdict.
“Absolutely gutted about the decision. Will come back stronger,” he tweeted. With O’Brien not part of Forest’s 25-man squad for the rest of the season, he remains in limbo. One option, which has been mooted, could see the midfielder move to MLS on loan.
Could O'Brien still have a future at Forest? Have your say in the comments section
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