Evra loses appeal

France international Patrice Evra has lost his appeal against a five-match ban on Wednesday handed to him by the French Football Federation.

The Manchester United star was banned for his part in the player protest at Nicolas Anelka's treatment at the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year.

Evra attended a hearing on Wednesday, stating his case to have his ban revoked, which will see him unavailable for national duties until February.

"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," a statement on the FFF website read.

Prior to the verdict, Evra's lawyer Jean-Yves Foucard was optimistic of getting a positive result.

"Patrice has been able to explain himself at great length, and the committee listened very carefully and asked good questions," he told 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."