Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea striker, has asked Fifa for permission to move on loan from Shanghai Shenhua despite the transfer window being closed.
Drogba's campaign with the Chinese side finished this month but the 34-year-old is eager to continue playing in the off-season ahead of captaining the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations in January.
Fifa have confirmed they are considering Drogba's request even though existing rules prevent him from representing another club until 1 January.
Drogba signed a two-year contract with Shanghai in the summer and has scored eight goals for the club.
He departed Chelsea after eight years by hitting the winning penalty in the Champions League final. The African won four FA Cups, three Premier League titles and one League Cup in addition to the Blues' European success against Bayern Munich in May.