UEFA reject Didier Drogba appeal

UEFA have rejected an appeal from Schalke 04 over Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba's eligibility to play in this season's Champions League.

The German club raised the issue with European football's governing body following the first leg of their last-16 tie against the Turkish side on February 20.

Drogba joined Gala from Shanghai Shenhua during the January transfer window.

"Having examined all the documents of the case, the Control and Disciplinary Body decided to reject the protest lodged by Schalke," read a statement on UEFA's official website.

The two teams, who drew 1-1 in the first leg, meet in Gelsenkirchen for the return encounter on March 12.