Indian football giants Mohun Bagan issued a show cause notice to Brazilian footballer Jose Barreto, who announced his decision to quit the club and return home.

"As per the order of the high court-appointed special officers, a show cause notice was served to Barreto last night," Mohun Bagan assistant general secretary Balaram Chowdhury said on Thursday.

The notice asked Barreto to explain why punitive action should not be taken against him for staying away from the club's National Football League matches and practice sessions for a week, Chowdhury said.

"He has to reply within 48 hours," Chowdhury said.

Talking to reporters yesterday, Barreto alleged that the club officials had misbehaved with the team's players for the past four or five months.

"After what I have endured for the past 4-5 months, I don't have any heart to continue," he had said.

The ace striker also alleged that he is yet to receive his salary for the last two months and Rs 1.5 million of the total contract amount for the season is outstanding.