Leeds United have accepted UEFA's three-match ban on midfielder Lee Bowyer after being told an appeal could result in a longer suspension.
"They have withdrawn their appeal," said a UEFA spokesman today. The Leeds United official website said the club had "reluctantly" accepted the ban.
It said Leeds had been told by UEFA their appeal would not lead to a reduction in Bowyer's ban and could lead to an extension instead.
The UEFA spokesman could not confirm this saying onlyLeeds had taken the decision not to press the appeal.
UEFA banned Bowyer for three European matches for stamping on Valencia's Juan Sanchez in the goalless first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Elland Road this month.
Leeds said after the match that they would appeal and asked the English FA to raise the matter with UEFA.
Bowyer, who was banned for the second leg in Valencia that Leeds lost 3-0, scored six goals in 13 Champions League matches, making him the joint second highest scorer in the tournament.
He will miss the first two games in the club's UEFA Cup campaign next season.