THE AUSTRALIAN Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has confirmed it will not appeal an 18-month ban handed to a VFL player for importing performance-enhancing drugs.

Weekend reports said the solicitor of former Casey Scorpions player Wade Lees received an email from the anti-doping agency on Thursday informing him of the decision.

An ASADA spokesman confirmed to AFL.com.au that it will not take the matter further.

Lees, 24, was handed the ban by AFL Victoria after importing a fat-burning product from the United States in 2010. The product was found to contain traces of steroids.

The ban, which prohibits Lees from participating in all competitive sport, ends on November 10.

Lees was charged with "attempted use of a prohibited substance violation" after the product was intercepted by the Australian Customs Service, who informed ASADA.

Lees told a VFL Tribunal hearing in December he was unaware the product contained banned substances.

At the hearing, ASADA argued for the maximum two-year ban, saying ignorance was no excuse.

A standout with the Scorpions before his suspension, Lees had previously nominated for the NAB AFL Draft.

He told News Limited in December he would not give up his dream of playing AFL.

Lees was banned from round 7 of the 2012 VFL season and will be eligible to return to football in 2014.