Chelsea claim a computer GLITCH was to blame for Hakim Ziyech's botched PSG move

Chelsea believe a technology defect was to blame for their role in the dramatic collapse of Hakim Ziyech’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ziyech’s botched move to the French capital has officially been called off after the French football authorities rejected an appeal to ratify the transfer after it fell down - leaving the forward ‘upset’.

The deal for Ziyech to join PSG was fraught with difficulties throughout the entire day, but looked to finally be on track just hours before the 11pm deadline.

But with a deal agreed between both clubs, the move crumbled after it was claimed Chelsea submitted the incorrect documentation in order to sign off on the deal on more than one occasion.

The Ligue 1 club launched an appeal to revive the swoop - but that was rejected by Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) early on Wednesday morning.

And it is understood the London club are attributing fault for the relevant documentation not reaching PSG in time to an unexpected technology issue.

After a day of talks over the details of the move, it is believed Chelsea sent PSG a copy of the loan agreement before the 11pm deadline.

The French club returned the document requesting the Blues sign it, which they did and thought they responded back to PSG in ample time.

But it later emerged that the email had not gone through due to an error.

PSG later re-sent the agreement and Chelsea again signed it and returned it at 11pm which was deemed too late.

Chelsea reject accusations in France they sent the incorrect documents three times.

Sources have suggested that Chelsea’s focus on getting their British transfer record deal for Enzo Fernandes agreed was a contributing factor towards the Stamford Bridge club’s blunder - but that has also been refuted.

Nevertheless, the news is understood to have left Ziyech upset given he had spent the day pushing for a move to Paris that at one stage looked doubtful.

The transfer hit a snag earlier in the day.

Sportsmail understands the hitch was over whether the deal would be a loan or permanent transaction with Chelsea understood to prefer the latter.

Ziyech wanted the move to PSG, where he would join up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe and finally looked set to get his wish after the clubs agreed on loan terms.

But the cock-up left the Morocco international in France late last night watching his hopes of a move go up in smoke.

In addition to Ziyech’s disappointment, PSG are understood to be furious with their Chelsea counterparts for their administrative error.

It now remains to be seen how Ziyech is reintegrated back into life at Chelsea following the January arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke.

Ziyech already averaged fewer than 45 minutes a game in his 10 appearances for the Blues in the league, and is yet to score in all competitions, assisting just once.