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has withdrawn his appeal against a one-match ban handed down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.
Ronaldinho won't play in Brazil's final exhibition before the World Cup despite pressure from fans and media on the coach to select the star midfielder. Ronaldinho was not among the 22 players called up by Dunga on Tuesday for Brazil's match against Ireland in London on March 2. It is Brazil's last scheduled match before the World Cup in South Africa opens on June 11.