Chelsea defender John Terry has decided not to appeal against a four-match ban and fine of £220,000 for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
Terry had until this evening to contest the sanction issued by an independent Football Association regulatory commission.
However, in a statement released via his representatives Elite Management, Terry said: "After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment.
"I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.
"Although I'm disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.
"As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.
"My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.
"Looking forward, I will continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.
"I am extremely grateful for the consistent support of Chelsea FC, the fans and my family."
The decision means Terry will miss two matches against Manchester United - and the possibility of coming face to face with Ferdinand's brother Rio.
He will also miss this Saturday's match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, and the trip to Swansea on November 3.
Terry had been accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during the match a year ago.
He had claimed that he was repeating an accusation levelled at him by Ferdinand, but an independent FA commission described his version of events as "improbable, implausible and contrived".
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