Dempo refuse to release Joaquim Abranches

Dempo have refused to release Joaquim Abranches after they were requested by the AIFF to send him for the national camp in Dubai less than 15 days prior to the Asian Cup 2011.

With Anthony Pereira and Arindam Bhatttacharya being ruled out of the tournament, coach Bob Houghton found himself in a selection quandary and thereby sent a request to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for their replacement.

However, Dempo manager Custodio Almedia said, "Joaquim Abranches has not yet featured for Dempo SC in the I-League matches, it would have been foolish on our part to release the striker for the camp having not regained his fitness."