Hird abandons fight with ASADA after dropping court challenge

Essendon coach James Hird has dropped his High Court challenge against the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

The AFL coach has chosen not to seek special leave to carry out a second challenge against the anti-doping body's findings into Essendon's use of banned peptides in the 2012 season.

Hird had claimed ASADA's investigation into the club was unlawful.

However, his previous two court challenges were both defeated.

His fate is now likely to be determined by the AFL's anti-doping tribunal, which is set to deliver a verdict next month against the 34 current and former Essendon players who are accused of doping during 2012.

Hird would likely be removed as a coach if a guilty verdict is returned.