The document adds: “Article 27 of the Regulations on the status and transfer of players (RSTP) states that cases of force majeure shall be decided by the Fifa council, whose decisions are final.”

That could prove troublesome for some players out of contract who had their eyes set on a move away from the club in the summer.

Among those clubs affected will be Arsenal, who have both Pablo Mari and Dani Ceballos on loan as well as Chelsea, where Willy Caballero, Willian, Pedro and Olivier Giroud are all out of contract.

Tottenham and Liverpool also have Jan Vertonghen and Adam Lallana respectively expected to leave the club at the end of their contracts.