Bhutia gets interim relief, Bagan to file petition

Mohun Bagan on Saturday opposed the arbitrator's decision to grant interim relief to Bhaichung Bhutia and said they would file a review petition with the All India Football Federation.

The AIFF-appointed arbitrator Amarendra Sharan, a former Additional Solicitor General of India, on Saturday gave interim relief to Bhutia, saying that the Indian captain is free to play for any club till a final verdict is given.

Thus Bhutia, who has signed an MoU with East Bengal, can now play in the red-and-gold jersey, even though he entered into an agreement with Mohun Bagan for the 2009-10 season.

Reacting strongly to the decision, Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra said this was against the AIFF rule book as a player cannot play for two clubs in a season.

"A player cannot turn out for two clubs in a season, the rule clearly says that. We are strongly against the decision and will approach the AIFF," Mitra said.

"The decision is conflicting against the AIFF rulebook. I am sure even the national federation will not agree with the decision. We have already informed the IFA about our objection and we will file a review petition at the AIFF," added Mitra.

East Bengal secretary Kalyan Majumdar welcomed the arbitrator's decision.

"This has come at the right time. We are very happy to get him for the I-League. We will complete the formalities (of signing) any minute now," Majumdar said.

The arbitrator's decision came a day after East Bengal alleged Mohun Bagan of spreading 'canard' against them to shield their dealing with Bhutia.

The Bagan-Bhutia deadlock has been dragging on since June 8 when the Indian captain was slapped with a six month suspension without pay on disciplinary grounds.

Bhutia then signed an agreement with his former club East Bengal and turned up for practice donning the red-and-gold jersey that drew flak from several quarters.