The Professional Football Association in Australia has lodged an appeal in an effort to have All Whites midfielder Michael McGlinchey cleared to sign with the Wellington Phoenix.
Last month, an independent arbitrator ruled McGlinchey remains contracted to the Central Coast Mariners, despite the Phoenix and the PFA believing he's a free agent following a change of ownership at the Mariners.
McGlinchey refused to sign a new Mariners contract while on loan in Japan and has been training with the Phoenix for the past couple of months, but is unable to play any of their pre-season games.
While last month's ruling stated McGlinchey was still contracted to the Mariners, he isn't listed on the club's website as part of the squad for the upcoming A League season.
A spokesman for the PFA says they lodged the appeal last week and are now waiting on a hearing date.