An independent arbitration panel has dismissed Rovers’ claim against the EFL’s decision not to allow them to register the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

Rovers thought they had tied up a deal for O’Brien on January 31, only to miss the 11pm deadline.

A series of appeals against the EFL’s decision not to sanction his registration have now failed, with the club admitting defeat with no further avenues available after the independent arbitrator’s decision.

An application to register a move for Rochdale midfielder Ethan Brierley was also knocked back, though the club will explore other avenues available to them to ensure his signature, and that the League Two side are recompensed.

An EFL statement read: “An independent arbitration panel has dismissed the claim of Blackburn Rovers, in which it challenged the EFL’s refusal to register Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien on loan on 31 January.

“The EFL rejected the application to register the player on the grounds that Blackburn had failed to supply all the required information by the relevant deadline. The Board subsequently endorsed that decision.

“Upon review of all the evidence, the independently appointed arbitrator, William Norris KC, determined that the EFL correctly interpreted and applied its regulations and associated guidance.

“There is no further right of appeal, and Lewis O’Brien’s registration will remain with Nottingham Forest.”

Rovers say they are ‘bitterly disappointed’ by the outcome, and felt they had a strong case, hence pushing for an independent arbitration.

A club statement read: “Blackburn Rovers has been unsuccessful in its attempts to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

“A loan deal between the two clubs had been agreed on January 31st, however the EFL rejected the registration application on the grounds that, despite Rovers having sought to register the player before the end of the January transfer window, not all the required documentation had been filed by the relevant deadline. The EFL Board subsequently endorsed that decision.

“The club challenged that decision on the basis of a legal interpretation of the regulations around meeting the relevant deadline.

“Unfortunately, the independently appointed arbitrator has now rejected Rovers’ challenge and determined that the EFL correctly interpreted and applied its regulations and associated guidance.

“The club is bitterly disappointed by the outcome, but now accepts the decision. As there is no further right of appeal, Lewis O’Brien’s registration will remain with Nottingham Forest.

“The club will now pursue other options to try and secure the signing of promising young Rochdale midfielder Ethan Brierley as soon as possible, after the club’s registration application for the permanent transfer of the player was also rejected.”