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The Rugby Football League has blocked Paul Cooke's attempt to quit Hull FC for local rivals Hull KR.
The 26-year-old stand-off, a lifelong Rovers fan, confirmed on Monday that he had handed in his resignation at the KC Stadium and was set to join Hull KR.
But Hull threatened legal action and RFL communications manager Craig Spence has now said that it would not sanction Cooke's registration with Hull KR.
"We believe Paul Cooke is a registered contracted player of Hull FC," he said.
"We would ask that Paul Cooke and Hull FC sit down to try to resolve this matter.
"If they can't, then Paul Cooke could seek an RFL dispute tribunal hearing. The earliest this could take place is next week."
The latest development will scupper Cooke's hopes of making his debut for Rovers against Huddersfield on Friday night.
Hull KR's next match after that is against Hull FC at the Millennium Stadium on 5 May.
Earlier on Monday, Cooke had announced that he had resigned from Hull FC after 10 years with the club.
"I confirm that I have asked Hull FC to transfer my player registration to Hull KR and have notified the Rugby Football League accordingly," he said.
In a statement, Hull FC said: "This is now in the hands of our lawyers. We will make no further comment at this stage."
Hull FC had previously said an employment law specialist had confirmed they had a legally binding contract with Cooke, but he says he never signed the three-year deal they offered him in June.
"For some time I have been unhappy with a number of aspects of my contract with Hull FC and for that reason did not sign it," he said.
"After almost 10 years at the club, it is disappointing to leave in this way but all I can say is that I have enjoyed playing football for Hull FC and thank its thousands of fans for supporting me through the years.
"I am very happy with the contract arrangements that have been offered to me by Hull Kingston Rovers and now look forward to helping them maintain Super League status."
Credit - BBC Sport 
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