The 41-year-old striker has been suspended for four months following a failed a test for banned substance finasteride, which he attributed to a treatment he was taking to avoid hair loss.

The club asked the court to reconsider the ban so he would be able to play for Vasco in the Campeonato Carioca - the Rio de Janeiro state championship - against Madureira on January 20.

But the STJD rejected Vasco's appeal and consequently Romario is likely to continue to be banned until April 5, meaning he will miss most of the Campeonato Carioca.