Crossword Genius

Official exploited having had appeal turned down (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

refused

'having had appeal turned down' is the definition.

'official exploited' is the wordplay.
'official' becomes 'ref' (match official in football, say).
'exploited' becomes 'used' ('used' can be a synonym of 'exploited').
'ref'+'used'='REFUSED'

(Other definitions for refused that I've seen before include "Declined, rejected" , "Not accepted" , "Was unwilling to accept" , "Said no (7)" , "turned down appeal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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