Gillingham new boy Bondz N'Gala unable to play for club due to FIFA regulations

The Sky Bet League One side announced on Thursday the arrival of the 27-year-old defender on a deal until the end of the campaign but later released a statement saying he was ineligible to feature for the Gills.

Gillingham said they were unaware FIFA's transfer rules preventing players playing for more than two clubs in a season included non-league teams.

N'Gala has already played for League Two side Barnet and National League outfit Eastleigh so is ineligible to feature for another team during the 2016-17 campaign.

A statement on the club's website read: " As a result of defender Bondz N'Gala playing for both Barnet and Eastleigh, this unhelpful regulation means that he will not be able to play for Gillingham.

"Club chairman Paul Scally and head coach Ady Pennock are both extremely disappointed by this outcome. However, the club were not made aware of this regulation."

Meanwhile, out-of-favour Gillingham midfielder Billy Knott has joined Lincoln on loan.