AIFF issue show cause notice to Romeo and Mandar
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued show cause notice to Dempo SC players Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai for failure to report to the national camp for the ongoing South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship.
“Prior to assessing penalties and sanctions against you and your club(s) and issuing the order, the AIFF would like to offer you an opportunity to provide an explanation to us which may be considered on your behalf,” read the show cause notice to the Dempo wingers, Goal.com reported.
The duo played for FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL), and they were supposed to report to the national camp after the final on December 20. However, both players, who played the full 90 minutes of the ISL final, refused to travel to Kerala for the camp citing an injury.
The AIFF also plans to take action against Romeo and Mandar within a week, if the duo fail to provide any substantial evidence for their absence, Goal.com reported.
The players, who are already under scrutiny for boycotting the ISL prize distribution ceremony, could face more sanctions if they fail to provide any evidence for their absence from the camp.
Incidentally, Dempo SC's Chairman, Shrinivas Dempo also serves as the vice-president of the AIFF.