Brazilian Star Marta's Appeal Denied: To Miss Key Olympic Semifinal

Brazilian football legend Marta's appeal against a two-game ban was rejected, causing her to miss the crucial semifinal against Spain at the Paris Olympics. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld FIFA's decision stemming from a red card incident. Marta's return is possible for a medal match.

Brazilian football legend Marta has lost her appeal against a two-game ban at the Paris Olympics, meaning she will miss Tuesday's crucial semifinal against Spain.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced that its judge dismissed the urgent application made by Marta and the Brazilian team. FIFA had initially imposed the ban following Marta's red card during a group-stage game against Spain, where Brazil suffered a 2-0 defeat. Marta had already missed Brazil's 1-0 quarterfinal win over host France.

The Court's ruling was published just 4 1/2 hours before Brazil's semifinal kickoff against Spain in Marseille, with the winner advancing to face either the United States or Germany in the final in Paris on Saturday.

Marta, anticipated to play her last international game in these Olympics, will be available either for the gold-medal match or the bronze medal clash, scheduled for Friday in Lyon. The 38-year-old forward has previously won two silver medals during the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)