India internationals Steven Dias and N P Pradeep, who are in a transfer controversy with their employer, Mahindra United, said since the Mumbai club has agreed to hike their salaries they have no issues with playing for the club.
Dias and Pradeep negotiated a deal with East Bengal while having an existing contract with Mahindra United. The All Indian Football Federation's Players Status Committee had decided on August 28 that the transfer of the two players from Mahindra to East Bengal stands rejected if no amicable solution is reached between the two clubs by September 5.
Dias said Mahindra United president Allan Durante told him during a meeting on Friday that his salary would be increased but a final decision will be taken after coach Derrick Pereira returns to Mumbai after the ongoing Durand Cup, where Mahindra has entered the final.
"I met Durante today and it was a very cordial meeting. He promised an increase in salary for me and Pradeep. If that is done I have no issue with the club; I will play for Mahindra," he said.
"We were just demanding our worth; we were offered twice the amount in East Bengal. I don't know how much will be increased but I have an open mind. Let us see what happens when I meet Durante and Pereira," he added.
Pardeep also said he will play for Mahindra United if his salary is hiked.
"We are India players and, naturally, we will go where more money is paid. But if the salary is increased, I will play for Mahindra," he said.
Durante confirmed the salary of the two India players, as well as all other players of his club, will be increased and both Dias and Pradeep should now play for his club.
"There is no issue now. I had a cordial meeting with Steven today. Not only for Steven and Pradeep, the salary of all the players will be increased," Durante said, without specifying how much he is offering the players.
"As per the AIFF Players Status Committee's decision on August 28, both players should now be Mahindra players," he added.
As per the decision of the committee, East Bengal had met Durante in Mumbai but Mahindra United refused to release the two players.
According to AIFF rules, any aggrieved party -- East Bengal or the players -- can appeal to the committee if they have any grievance.
