All India Football Federation will have a meeting with Mohun Bagan on August 17 to resolve the pending case of India captain Bhaichung Bhutia seeking a release from the green-and-maroons after a bitter stand-off. The club has received a letter from the outgoing AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco,asking Mohun Bagan management for a meeting in New Delhi to discuss the matter on August 15 or 16. But after Mohun Bagan asked for a change of date,the AIFF had agreed for the meeting at its headquarters in New Delhi on August 17. We have received the letter last evening and then replied immediately saying that we would be occupied on the mentioned dates. We then requested for a postponement on August 17 or 18 and they have confirmed the former one, Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra told PTI. They have mentioned that they want to resolve the matter amicably and want our cooperation. We have agreed to meet at 2 pm on August 17. We are open to discussion, Mitra added. He,however,reiterated that Bhutia is Mohun Bagan player as the Indian captain still has a years contract with the club. But we dont want to take any drastic step unless provoked and want to settle the matter as early as possible, Mitra added. SPORT BHUTIA 2 LAST The AIFF emergency committee in its meeting last month had authorised Colaco to mediate between the two parties and find an amicable solution to the matter. Bhutia was suspended for six months without pay from Mohun Bagan who questioned the star strikers commitment. The Sikkimese challenged the decision at the IFA and,in the meantime,signed for East Bengal. The IFA then referred the matter to AIFF after the national federation said it was taking up the matter.
