Rio rules out another appeal

Rio Ferdinand has decided not to go ahead with a second appeal against his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.

The England defender’s European Championship dream lies in ruins after an independent three-man panel last week upheld the suspension initially handed down on December 19.

They were content the Manchester United star did not avoid the test for "drug-related" reasons, but still dismissed his challenge to the verdict and punishment.

Ferdinand could have taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland but has instead chosen to accept his punishment.

The 25-year-old told The Sun: “I still think the ban was harsh and that I have been made an example of. But I’ve decided it is time this case came to an end.

“When my appeal was rejected last Thursday my first reaction was to keep going. But I’ve had a chance to think about it and don’t feel it would serve any purpose by dragging it out.

“The point has been made that I’m not a drug-taker. Everyone accepts that, which was very important to me.

“I feel I’ve cleared my name in that regard.”