India

Dempo Likely To Face Disciplinary Action

Dempo Sports Club is facing a disciplinary action on account of not letting their players, Mahesh Gawli and Sameer Naik, join the Indian National Team camp.

01-Dec-2009 10:05:57 AM

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In what was easily one of the most ridiculous decisions of all time, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) suspended Dempo's Mahesh Gawli and Samir Naik for failing to report to the ongoing national camp while it's a publicly known fact that it's the players' club, namely Dempo SC, which has refused to release the duo for national duty. They further stated that the Goan club shall face disciplinary action as the matter has been forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee of the Indian FA.

The two players have taken turns to visit the camp unofficially to meet their fellow players and coaching staff. The Indian FA had earlier in fact written to the club to release the players as well, a request which Dempo flatly refused to pay heed to.

Article 29, Annex I, Paragraph 4 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players reads as follows:

"A player who due to injury or illness is unable to comply with a call-up from the association that he is eligible to represent on the basis of his nationality shall, if the association so requires, agree to undergo a medical examination by a doctor of that association’s choice. If the player so wishes, such medical examination shall take place on the territory of the association at which he is registered (in Naik and Sameer’s case, in Goa).”

FIFA rules state that a player may not leave his city and have a medical conducted by the national staff in the city where he is registered, if he so desires.

The Indian FA show caused Dempo SC and asked for their side of the story to be sent before December 7 failing which, the disciplinary action shall be taken against them.

Meanwhile, Mahesh Gawli visited Mumbai's renowned Dr.Anant Joshi to keep a tab of his injury. The Indian international was surprised and shocked to hear the news of his suspension.

"Everyone knows that the club asked us not to join the national camp, which we can't go against. If the AIFF had any issue, they must settle it with our club and than needlessly blame us for the present situation," said Gawli in a strong statement.

Rahul Bali

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