Kolkata: Mohun Bagan today wrote a 255-page
letter to football's world governing body FIFA, challenging
the interim relief to India captain Bhaichung Bhutia.
The letter, addressed to FIFA General Secretary Jerome
Valcke, detailed the reasons for Bhutia's showcause and the
consequent six months' without-pay suspension from the Kolkata
club, Mohun Bagan General Secretary Anjan Mitra said.
"We want FIFA to intervene into the matter. Bhutia has a
valid contract with us for the ongoing 2009-10 season, yet he
has signed for another club (East Bengal). Bhutia has violated
clauses eight, 10 and 19 of the two-year contract. We demand
justice from the FIFA," Mitra told reporters.
Bhutia earlier signed up for East Bengal after getting an
interim relief from All India Football Federation-appointed
arbitrator Amarendra Sharan on September 25.
Mohun Bagan has also forwarded the document to the Indian
Football Association (IFA) and Bhutia.
IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguli confirmed the receipt of the
letter.
"Let them do whatever they think is right, I have nothing
to comment. I am fighting to be fit for our next match
(against Shillong Lajong FC on November 12)," Bhutia told a
website.
Bhutia was suspended for six months without pay by Mohun
Bagan on June 8 for missing a few team training sessions and
an exhibition match.
He appealed at the IFA but later the AIFF took up the
matter. The IFA's Players' Status Committee, however, failed
to decide on the matter as one member refused to give his
opinion.
The AIFF then asked its outgoing General Secretary
Alberto Colaco to mediate between Mohun Bagan and Bhutia.
After Colaco could not find a solution, AIFF Executive
Committee in its meeting on August 30 had decided to refer the
matter to an arbitrator.
Bureau Report