The Indian Football Association’s decision to forward the Bhaichung Bhutia vs Mohun Bagan issue to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has irked the club with Bagan officials thinking of pulling out of the IFA Shield in protest. However, club sources say that Bagan will pull out of the tournament only if the AIFF’s players’ status committee rules in Bhutia's favour. The IFA Shield is scheduled to begin from August 25.

On Friday, Bagan shot off three letters to the IFA on different issues. “We have asked for a copy of the minutes of yesterday's general body meeting. We have asked the IFA to dispose of the Snehasis Chakraborty case as soon as possible. We have also asked the state association to explain why the governing body didn’t take a decision on the issue. Have you ever seen a lower court not giving its verdict in a case just because it can be overruled in the higher court?” club secretary Anjan Mitra asked.

Chakraborty, who wants to play for Bagan this season, has alleged that East Bengal have “forged” his contract papers and are refusing to release him.

Meanwhile, the AIFF’s decision to call a meeting of Kolkata clubs to address their concerns regarding releasing players for India camps by July 10 is yet to materialise, and Mitra said they are yet to hear anything from the federation.

Seeking clarifications

The KP Sunny-led AIFF’s players' status committee, entrusted with deciding on the Bhutia case, has sought clarifications from the federation before taking up the issue. “No date for any meeting has yet been fixed. We have been informed of the case by the AIFF but I have sought some clarifications,” Sunny said.

... contd.