London, Mar 20: Rio Ferdinand said he was stunned by an appeal panel's decision to uphold his eight-month ban for missing a mandatory drugs test. He remains banned until 20 September, and misses the rest of Manchester United's season and Euro 2004.
"I'm absolutely devastated at this verdict," he said to mediapersons. "The main thing keeping me going has been the possibility of playing again this season. This verdict has taken that hope away from me".

Ferdinand, 25, had hoped that evidence he had not missed the test in order to avoid detection for a banned substance would count in his favour. However, while the three-man appeal panel agreed with Ferdinand, it decided not to reduce his punishment. The defender will also miss England's first two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Austria in September.
A Manchester United statement said: "We are disappointed given the nature of the appeal.
"As the detailed judgement has not yet been received, it is impossible at this stage for the club to make any further comment".

Bureau Report