Cork City will have to contend without Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy until July after Fifa failed to grant clearance for Damien Richardson's new signings.
While six other League of Ireland players received clearance from world football's governing body last week, both Cork players were informed last night that their appeals had been rejected as both had played for two other clubs since the start of July.
Richardson spoke last night of his "extreme disappointment" at the outcome and stated his feelings "pale in comparison to the disappointment felt by the two lads".
Cork are now considering a further appeal against the decision.