Joey Barton
joeybarton.com

The French Football Federation have confirmed QPR midfielder Joey Barton will be forced to serve the remainder of his 12-match ban during his season-long loan at Olympique Marseille.

The 30 year old was sent off in Rangers' final match of last season, at Manchester City, where the former Citizen clashed with Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero and Belgian defender Vincent Kompany as he left the pitch. As a result, the fiery Englishman was banned for 12 games by the FA.

Subsequently, Barton, who was QPR's captain last season, was not even offered a squad number for the new campaign, prompting him to move looking for first team football. However, any hope of avoiding the ban have been dashed - FIFA rules state any ban given before a transfer will be carried to the player's new club.

"Upon the transfer of Joey Barton from Queens Park Rangers to Olympique Marseille, the English Football Association transmitted to the French Football Federation the disciplinary sanction he was subject to in the English league," read a statement on Marseille's Web site.

"In accordance with article 12 of Fifa's Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, the sanction is applicable in France. Consequently Barton, having served three of his 12-match suspension [for QPR], will be suspended for the next nine games in domestic competition [Ligue 1 and Coupe de France]," it added.

Barton is, however, free to play in Marseille's Euorpa League campaign and could make his debut at Fenerbahce on 20 September but will have to wait till at least November for his first league game.

Lyon Considered Barton Offer

Meanwhile, Marseille's Ligue 1 rivals Lyon have confirmed they considered making a move for Barton before the Englishman signed for Les Phoceens. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said the club had a quick discussion on Barton but decided signing the midfielder was too much of a risk, given his disciplinary record.

"We had five minutes of consultations about Barton, but we agreed we could not take the risk. We have certain guidelines within the club, agreed with our sponsors and partners. We could not take him," the Metro quoted Aulas as saying.