IT appears Weymouth will not be able to sign striker Paul Hakim until the transfer window re-opens.

Last week the Terras said they had received an e-mail from the Football Association informing them that the 24-year-old was on non-contract terms at St Albans City but now the governing body seems to have changed its tune.

In a dramatic U-turn yesterday, the FA ruled that Hakim is under contract at Clarence Park, which means any potential move could not happen until January and would probably command a fee.

The Terras do not want to comment on the situation at present but it is clear that the player's future still remains in doubt.

Last week Saints' chairman John Gibson and boss Colin Lippiatt both said it was unlikely that Hakim will ever play for the club again.

A statement on City's official website, which appeared yesterday afternoon, reads: "The FA have now made their decision in respect of the Paul Hakim case and have ruled that the player is contracted to St Albans City Football Club.

"The club is content that the FA has ruled in its favour but considers that there are no winners in the whole saga. The club are now considering its options on the matter."

Weymouth goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett helped England's National Game XI win 4-1 against Holland and lift the inaugural European Challenge Trophy last night.

Paul Fairclough's men ran out comfortable winners at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium following up successes in rounds one and two over Belgium (2-0) and Italy (3-1) to top the table.

The Terras reserves' home match against Bristol Rovers in the Pontin's Holidays Combination League Wales & West Division has been postponed.

The encounter was scheduled to take place next Wednesday. Instead Weymouth will now host Cardiff City at the Wessex Stadium on Tuesday (2pm).