Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and former England soccer captain David Beckham have been overlooked in the New Year's Honours list for 2014.
The duo, who both have OBEs (Order of the British Empire), had been tipped to be knighted.
Murray, 26, became the first Briton in 77 years to win the Wimbledon men's singles title in the summer, while Beckham, 38, retired from football in May after a 20-year career.
Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein was made a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
Bernstein was appointed to the role of chairman in 2010 but was forced to relinquish the post under FA rules when he reached the age of 70. He was replaced by Greg Dyke in July.
There was speculation that Murray, who was voted Sports Personality of the Year 2013, would be honoured following his triumph in the summer, a year after he was awarded an OBE, having won Olympic gold and the US Open title.
Following his victory at Wimbledon, Prime Minister David Cameron had said: "I can't think of anyone who deserves one more."
People are nominated for their achievements by members of the public and whether they are given an honour - and the type of honour - is decided by a committee.
The committee's decision goes to the prime minister and then to the Queen.
Meanwhile, rumours that Beckham, who was made OBE in 2003 for services to football and played a key role in securing the London 2012 Olympics, was to be knighted, proved unfounded.
Ann Jones, who beat Billie Jean King to win the 1969 Wimbledon singles' title, was appointed a CBE after years of work in tennis administration.
