Welsh FA appeal rejected

Wales’ hopes of claiming a place in Euro 2004 were finally dashed today as they lost their battle to have Russia thrown out of the competition for a drugs offence.

UEFA twice rejected Wales’ appeals to award the play-off match between the sides 3-0 in their favour after Russia midfielder Igor Titov tested positive for the banned substance Bromantan after the first leg in Moscow on November 15, and now the Court of Arbitration for Sport have also dismissed the appeal.