The FIFA rule that gives Isak leverage over Newcastle

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You have probably heard of the Alexander Isak saga. Newcastle's standout forward has been holding out -- presumably in order to force a move -- after his club turned down a £110 million transfer bid from Liverpool. You may be less familiar with the Lassana Diarra verdict and the interim changes to something called Article 17 of FIFA's Regulations on the Transfer and Status of Players. But maybe you should be familiar with them, because the fact is they potentially loom very large in the Isak case and could determine his future.

Quick disclaimer: I have no idea if Isak or his representatives have knowledge of Article 17 and the power it gives them. But I suspect they do,…