Athletics: No appeal by Edwards

Paul Edwards yesterday accepted a four-year ban after two positive drug tests and admitted that his international career is now probably over.

The 35-year-old shot-putter confirmed he has waived the right to argue his case at a British Athletic Federation disciplinary hearing. Edwards, who is accused of taking a 'cocktail' of anabolic steroids, said: 'I have already spent several thousand pounds on this.

'I still believe I have a case, but I cannot afford to take it any further and that is the only reason why I have given up my right to an appeal.' Last month, Edwards had stated: 'I categorically deny knowingly taking any banned substances at any time during my career.'

He has escaped a life ban - the normal punishment for two offences - because he was not aware of the result of the first test when the second was conducted two days later in August.

Edwards' announcement will embarrass the federation, which has still not officially confirmed the results of two tests. The federation says it cannot make an announcement 'without the agreement of all parties concerned'.