Ex-Gers given clearance

FIFA has given some former Rangers players the green light to begin their careers with new clubs.

Ness, Lafferty, Whittaker and Naismith seal moves

FIFA has given some former Rangers players the green light to begin their careers with new clubs. The first to be confirmed was Jamie Ness, who has signed for Stoke, with the SFA later adding Kyle Lafferty (FC Sion), Steven Whittaker (Norwich) and Steven Nasimith (Everton) to that list. They had been left in limbo waiting for international clearance after refusing to transfer their contracts to the Scottish club's newco. Rangers owner Charles Green rejected the claim that the players were free agents, sending letters to clubs across the UK warning them that those who objected to the switch to Sevco were in breach of contract. The association to which the players are affiliated can request temporary registration from FIFA to allow the player to play during the period of arbitration - which has now happened with Ness. PFA Scotland solicitor Margaret Gribbon said: "I can confirm that Jamie Ness has been granted provisional clearance from FIFA. "I am delighted about that and expect all other applications pending before FIFA to take the same course."