AIFF issues show cause notice to Romeo and Mandar

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued a show cause notice to Dempo’s Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai for failing to turn up for the ongoing national camp.

Mandar Rao Desai (L) and Romeo Fernandes played an important role in FC Goa's run to the final of the ISL 2015.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued a show cause notice to Dempo’s Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai for failing to turn up for the ongoing national camp.

The AIFF has given the two players a week’s time to explain their absence from the camp.

“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,” the show cause notice, which was sent to the two wingers, read.

The two players, whose contract with ISL outfit FC Goa ended on December 20, were expected to join the national camp in Kerala after the Indian Super League.

However, having played the entire duration in the final of ISL against Chennaiyin FC, they chose not to travel for international duty.

It was learnt that the federation is planning to take disciplinary action against Romeo and Mandar within the next week, if they fail to provide any substantial reason for their absence.

Shrinivas Dempo, the club’s chairman, is also the vice-president of AIFF.