Cork City will appeal a Fifa decision that rules both Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly ineligible until the summer.

The two former Republic of Ireland internationals are prevented from playing until July 1st as they have already played for two other clubs this season.

Farrelly joined Cork from Blackpool, where he had signed a short-term deal after leaving Bohemians in August. Healy played for Barnsley and Bradford before returning to his home town.

Eight other league players were affected by the ruling but had their cases resolved recently.

Just a fortnight ago Cork officials said an appeal was unlikely as such a move would be based on grounds already considered.

With no new evidence to bring to the table, the club saw little point in dragging out a process that could run until July.
 
But following legal advice and lengthy talks with people in football, the club is now prepared to lodge an appeal ahead of Friday's deadline.

Cork also made "a strongly-worded submission" to Fifa today, requesting the sport's governing body to reconsider its decision.

"The club is committed to doing everything in it's power to see justice prevail in relation to the two players concerned," a statement read.

"The club has spoken to, and taken, advice from people within the football world and the legal world, and also from the political scene.

"Cork City Football Club reiterates the unfairness of the situation, both for the players themselves, as well as for the club, and sincerely hope that justice and common sense will prevail in the matter."

Whether an appeal alters Fifa's reasoning remains to be seen.

Healy and Farrelly are affected by article 5.3 of Fifa's Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, which stipulates a footballer cannot play competitively for more than two clubs between July 1st and June 30th.