THE SHOW-CAUSE notices against 34 past and present Essendon players will remain on hold until the club decides whether it will appeal Friday's Federal Court ruling.

 

Bombers board members were due to hold talks on Wednesday night to discuss the club's next move after being left stunned by the ruling.

 

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping agency has indicated it will issue amended show-cause notices if the appeal period expires, and it will include a comprehensive summary of evidence.

 

"The 'show-cause' notice process for the 34 former and current Essendon Football Club players will remain on hold while the Federal Court appeal period is in place," an ASADA spokesperson told AFL.com.au.  

 

"What we do next will be determined once the appeal period expires or an appeal is lodged."

 

"In the event the appeal period expires and no appeal is lodged, it is the intention of ASADA CEO Ben McDevitt to provide the players with amended 'show-cause' notices.

 

"The amended notices will set a new date for the lodgment of submissions and include a comprehensive summary of the evidence in support of the case against the players.

 

ASADA also indicated it could be willing to strike a deal with the players.

 

"Should players and their lawyers want to engage with ASADA following a review of the amended notices, we are open to that prospect as we are with any athlete facing a possible doping violation," the spokesperson said.

 

"At the moment we are working through our processes to ensure all requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code and Australian legislation are complied with."

 

So far, through the AFL Players Association, Bombers players have indicated they won't entertain a deal with the anti-doping authority.