Stevenage Borough have finally given up all hope of securing the services of Trinidad and Tobago captain Stokely Mason.
Even though terms had been agreed with the player and his club, the Department of Employment refused to grant a permit to Borough.
That was because the Nationwide Conference was not a party to the discussions which took place earlier this year between the DoE, FA, PFA, Football League and Premier League for this coming season.
It is thought to be first time that a Conference club has applied for a permit for a full, qualifying international but no provision had been made for such a procedure.
Stevenage boss Paul Fairlcough will now turn his attentions elsewhere in trying to strengthen his squad.