Marseille and Lyon's tug-of-war challenge over the transfer of Hatem Ben Arfa could well be heading for the court room, after Pape Diouf confirmed Lyon were not allowing the release of the player's registration yet.

“The boy is ours, final point,” declared Diouf, “The case will now go to the League, which has been given all the relevant documents attesting to our claim.

“Arguments used to reconsider their commitment undertaken with Marseille are futile.

“This illustrates the way in which morals are interpreted by the president of Lyon. I also note that they have the same problems with Atletico Madrid in regard to the transfer of Grégory Coupet.”

“Jean-Michel Aulas is victim of internal incompetence having accepted the transfer of Ben Arfa and is feeling swindled. Known as a poor negotiator by many people, he does not know how to leave this trap.”