Ferdinand drops appeal against FA ban

New England captain Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal against a one-match ban handed down after what the FA termed a "frivolous" appeal against a violent conduct charge, Manchester United said on Tuesday.

Ferdinand was charged after a clash with Hull City's Craig Fagan in a Premier League game last month. He appealed against the automatic three-match suspension but was given a further one-game ban for his "frivolous" appeal.

The defender has already missed two games under the suspension and United said on their website (www.manutd.com) that he has now withdrawn the request, which was due to go before the appeals board on Friday.

Ferdinand, who is taking over the England captaincy from John Terry subject to confirmation by manager Fabio Capello, will be back from suspension in time for United's League Cup final at Wembley against Aston Villa on February 28.