The midfielder signed two weeks ago in a £28k deal, but his former club Neuchatel Xamax are stalling over issuing clearance.
United chief executive officer Shaun Harvey said in the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We have complained to FIFA via our own FA because there is no justifiable reason for Neuchatel to refuse to send his international clearance. FIFA have taken up the situation and we understand that they have received communication from Switzerland.
"Now it's just waiting for an approved FIFA member to decide whether or not the transfer should go through. It's ironic now that we've been asked to release the player at a time when we are still waiting for his clearance."
Kevin Blackwell added: "As soon as we get the clearance Joel will get his chance in the reserves and we'll take things from there. Obviously the sooner this is sorted out the better it is for all concerned. It's frustrating for us because it's been out of our hands and we're relying on other people."