Dempo have refused to release Joaquim Abranches after they were requested by the AIFF to send him for the national camp in Dubai [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] 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."