Dutch striker Mark Sifneos, who had to leave India in a hurry due to visa issues, is back with his current team FC Goa in the Indian Super League and is likely to feature in the important clash against Bengaluru FC on Feb 9.

His former team Kerala Blasters had complained to the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) that he was staying illegally in the country. The Goan outfit, reportedly, were told by the FRRO that Sifneos cannot be in India and play for them since his employment visa was issued to play for Kerala. So, he had to either return home or face deportation.

Since it was not a loan deal or a direct transfer, the 21-year-old had to be issued a new visa. However, everything has been sorted out. “The new visa has been issued and Sifneos is back with the team. He will be available for the match against Bengaluru FC tomorrow,” said an FC Goa official.

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Sifneos left RKC Waalwijk to join the Blasters. The team's former coach Rene Meulensteen, also from the Netherlands, was one of the main reasons for Sifneos to turn up for the Kerala outfit. Meulensteen was replaced midway through the tournament by Englishman David James following a string of poor results. With four goals, Sifneos was the joint top-scorer with Iain Hume for the Blasters. Meulensteen had favoured him to Hume but once James took over the reins, the youngster was confined to the bench.

Sifneos, reportedly, fell out with the current team management and parted ways with the Kerala outfit. He was said to be in talks with European clubs but with the international transfer window closing fast, he joined FC Goa on a free transfer in place of their striker Adrian Colunga.