The Court of Appeal this week rejected the application against Mr Levi's victory in the summer.

The businessman was awarded £50,000 in libel damages against Mr Bates at London's High Court.

Mr Levi, 65, sued Mr Bates, 77, over three articles written by the Leeds United chairman in the club's match-day programme in 2006 and 2007, and a letter sent to fans in 2007.

Mr Levi's legal advisor, Nick Collins, of Leeds-based Ford and Warren solicitors, confirmed that the decision was received in writing on Monday.

It is understood Mr Bates still has the right to an "oral hearing", in which his barrister has the opportunity to argue that the original libel judgement and subsequent written refusal to appeal.

It is not yet clear whether Mr Bates will continue to pursue the matter.

A spokesman said that he would not be commenting on the case.

In July the United chairman was also ordered to pay the estimated £1.5m legal costs of the nine-day libel case.

After the judgment, Simon Myerson QC, for Mr Levi, told judge Sir Charles Gray that in January 2009, Mr Levi had offered to settle the action for £15,000 damages and an apology, but Mr Bates declined to accept those terms.