Colchester United manager Paul Lambert has called for a "level playing field" in completing transfers.
Lambert has been frustrated by delays in extending the loan of goalkeeper Jimmy Walker which ends on 7 February.
He said: "I told the club a few weeks ago I wanted him to stay - we sent the paperwork and are still awaiting for a response from the Football League."
Football League head of communications John Nagle said: "The paperwork arrived after Monday's deadline had passed."
He added to BBC Sport: "The League therefore was unable to register the player. Colchester were informed of this decision on Monday evening."
Lambert continued: "If [Arsenal's Andrey] Arshavin took two days to go through, then there's a rule for one and a rule for others.
"If somebody's [transfer] is taking a couple of days to go through, then so should everybody else's, regardless of whether you're in League One, League Two or whatever the case may be," he explained to BBC Essex.
Lambert also reiterated his admiration for his 35-year-old keeper, who he hopes to sign from West Ham on a permanent basis.
"Jimmy Walker has been unbelievable for me," he said.
"There is no doubt that he's saved us so many points for us, he's got an understanding with the back four, which is great, and he's been colossal here."
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