Bhutia moves AIFF on Bagan dispute

With star striker Bhaichung Bhutia moving the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for resolution of his stand-off with his old club Mohun Bagan, a governing body meeting called Thursday by West Bengal's apex soccer body on the dispute became a non-starter here.

Indian Football Association (IFA) secretary Utpal Ganguly informed the governing body members of a letter received from the AIFF asking that all papers related to the case be transferred to its players' status committee.

Following this, the members decided by a majority vote to adhere to AIFF's directive.

Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra said the player should have displayed courtesy by informing the IFA of his decision to move the AIFF.

But he threatened to appeal to the FIFA if the AIFF took a decision which was against the interests of football.

Earlier this month, Bhaichung had inked a year-long contract with East Bengal, days after being slapped a six-month suspension by Mohun Bagan.

Taking umbrage over Bhaichung skipping some practice sessions and not turning out in an exhibition tie, the Bagan management had issued him a show cause. Later, the player was suspended as Bagan said they were not happy with his reply.

Bhutia, in a press conference, had described the Bagan officials as 'dictatorial', 'publicity hungry' and 'egoist', and vowed never to play for the club so long as the present management was in office.

Last updated on Jul 9^th, 2009 at 23:25 pm IST--IANS