PANJIM: The three-month long wait finally comes to an end as AIFF delivered the verdict Wednesday on Dempo SC stars – Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai — for not turning up for the national camp in December in Pune last year.
The FC Goa stars have been slapped a fine of Rs 40,000 each along with a three-month ban with effect from December 21, 2015. The ban, however, ended on March 21, 2016.
It can be recollected that the FC Goa stars had picked up injuries during the ISL season and didn’t report for the national camp. However, the AIFF had summoned the FC Goa stars and suspended them until further notice.
Much to the fans delight, the crowd will see the speedy wingers back in action from March 26 as the duo will join their parent club Dempo SC on Thursday to play their final phase of Second Division I-League match against Gangtok Himalayan since the duo were out of action for three months and have already served the banned period.
“The decision of the AIFF is not harsh. It is in the better interest of the players and club. We are happy for the players as they will get the chance to play for the final phase of the Second Division I-League,” said Wilfred D’Souza, Dempo SC general secretary.
AIFF has absolved Dempo SC as the club was not at fault.
