Berlin, Aug 22 (DPA) The United States was disqualified from the men's 4x100 metres relay at the world championships early Saturday over a faulty baton exchange.

The British team protested that the final exchange between Sean Crawford and Darvis Patton was completed outside the exchange zone, which was granted by race officials.

The US has lodged an appeal against the disqualification, but that was turned down by an appeals body shortly after midnight.

The US team originally won the Friday heat in 37.97 seconds to make Saturday's final. Britain came second in the race and went through as well.

It was the disaster for the men's relay which dropped the baton at the 2008 Olympics as Usain Bolt's Jamaica cruised to gold, a feat they can repeat Saturday.

It was also bad news for Tyson Gay, who had skipped the 200m after 100m silver due to a groin problem, saying he wanted to be fully fit for the relay.