STOKE City have kicked out Kenwyne Jones' appeal against a maximum two-week fine of around £75,000 after he refused to play for the club.
An appeal hearing headed by chairman Peter Coates has concluded that Jones has no grounds to complain against the level of his punishment.
Jones, who is hoping to play for Cardiff against Stoke on Saturday, met with Coates last week to argue his case.
Jones texted manager Mark Hughes the night before the televised home game against Liverpool on January 12 to say he was making himself unavailable.
He denied he had gone on strike – yet admitted he had refused to play in order to highlight his frustration at the club's refusal to either play him or sell him.
The Sentinel understands he repeated that explanation during his personal appeal hearing last week and it simply didn't wash with his old club.
The club's hierarchy also took the view there was no more serious offence than breaching a contract by simply refusing to play.
Jones now has the option of taking his case to the Premier League or letting the matter rest.
Jones, who was swapped with Peter Odemwingie shortly after his no-show against Liverpool, faces a race against time to be fit to face his old club.
The Trinidadian suffered bruising to his kidneys in the home defeat by Crystal Palace 12 days ago and missed Cardiff's 1-0 win at Southampton on Saturday.
Jones, who cost Stoke £8m from Sunderland in August 2010, left with a record of 26 league and cup goals in 78 starts and a further 37 sub appearances.
He scored what could turn out to be a potentially crucial winner in a 2-1 home win over Norwich on his Cardiff debut, but hasn't netted in five starts and two sub appearances since.