PANAJI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recalled team doctor Sreejith Kamal from Singapore and asked him to appear before a disciplinary committee.
The doctor came under severe criticism from National anti-doping agency (NADA) for his role in goalkeeper Subrata Paul's dope test and had asked for "necessary action" to be taken. During his appearance before NADA, the doctor had admitted in writing that he "failed to take due care" in prescribing the medicine to Paul which led to his ingestion of prohibited sub stance.
The AIFF were prompt in asking the doctor to return home from Singapore where he was engaged with the Under-23 team for two friendlies and has now been replaced with Dr. Punith Kenchappa Giriyappa. Based in Bengaluru, Dr. Punith has been part of the Indian Premier League and
Pro Kabaddi League for the past two years.
"In view of the decision by NADA, the AIFF has appointed Dr. Punith Kenchappa Giriyappa as the team doctor for the India U-23 team for the forthcoming AFC U-23 Championship 2018 Qualifiers to be held in Qatar from July 19," the AIFF said in a statement.