“We have received the notice from AIFF and will respond on Monday after the players report to the club,” said General Secretary of Dempo SC, Wilfred D’Souza.
The duo contractual obligations with FC Goa ended December 20 after they finished runners-up of the Hero ISL against Chennaiyin FC and were expected to report to the national camp in Kerala the following day. However, the two players who played for the entire duration in the final chose not to travel for international duty.
“The players were supposed to report to the club on December 23 but have not reported yet and it looks like they have sustained injuries,” added D’Souza.
The AIFF has decided to give the players an opportunity to explain themselves before the association assess penalties and sanctions against them and the club
The AIFF plans to take disciplinary action against Romeo and Mandar within the next week, if they fail to provide any substantial reason for their absence.
The five-time national champions Dempo SC take on Kenkre FC in a Second Division I-League fixture at Tilak Maidan on Sunday and will be without their star midfield duo Mandar and Romeo.
