London - Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic will miss Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham and two key matches in the team's Premier League run-in after his appeal against a charge of violent conduct was dismissed.
Ivanovic was charged by the Football Association after video footage spotted him punching Wigan forward Shaun Maloney in Chelsea's 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Football Association released a statement on Thursday saying "a regulatory commission heard the claim today and Ivanovic's three-match suspension will commence with immediate effect."
Ivanovic will miss league games against Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers.
Chelsea are sixth in the standings and in danger of missing out on the Champions League next season.