Setback to Dempo, Fifa refuses to release Denzil

"Fifa rejected the transfer request saying a player who is an amateur can only seek a transfer during the transfer period. We tried to exercise the loan option but as Theobald did not have a contact with Caldeonia AIA in Trinidad and Tobago, they could not loan him to us," said a Dempo official.

The 2006 World Cuper had last played for Caledonia AIA international, but was registered as an amateur player without a professional contract. He had a valid contract with Hungarian club Ujpest FC in 2008-09.

"The absence of Theobald will be a huge blow, especially when the team will have to release four key players for national duty in December," the official said.

"We have not taken a decision whether Theobald will continue to train with us until January when he will be cleared to play," the official said, adding that the club was trying to sign Jordanian player Khaleed Saad.