Hatem Ben Arfa is shocked by the ruling that he cannot turn out for new club Nice this season.

The former Newcastle United midfielder, after cutting short his loan with Hull City, signed for the French club last week.

But FIFA have blocked him from playing for Nice this term as he has already turned out for the Tigers and Newcastle's U21 team this season.

Ben Arfa's camp are convinced rival Ligue 1 clubs are behind the ruling.

A source told Foot Mercato: "Some Ligue 1 clubs have contacted the FFF for the non-registration of Ben Arfa's contract, including Lorient."

The insider continued: "If that's football, he plans to quit because he's had enough of it.

"He is faced with the reality of football business."