Evra loses France appeal

Evra attended a hearing to make his case against the suspension, imposed for the then France captain's role in the revolt against coach Raymond Domenech at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

"The Appeals High Commission, which met today to consider the appeal by the player Patrice Evra, has decided to confirm the five-match sanction for non-selection by Team France," said a statement on the FFF website.

The Manchester United defender was trying to overturn the penalty imposed after the squad went on strike midway through the group stage, in which it failed to win any of its three matches.

The hearing was held on Thursday morning, local time, and Evra's lawyer had sounded optimistic as they waited for a verdict in the afternoon.

"Patrice has been able to explain himself at great length, and the committee listened very carefully and asked good questions," Jean-Yves Foucard, said in comments reported by L'Equipe.

"Patrick said he undertook his role in a transparent, honest way, each time trying to smooth things over between the players and the staff, including the coach, and one can understand that these relations were not simple.

"The committee heard his sincerity, and had to understand that each time he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, as the go-between, and they cannot blame him for that."

However, the decision to reject his appeal means that Evra, who has already sat out two France matches, will not be available for selection until the friendly against Brazil, which is scheduled for 9 February next year.