New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) A day after Mohun Bagan questioned the decision of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to refer its dispute with Bhaichung Bhutia for arbitration, arbiter Amarendra Sharan said Wednesday that the club’s “apprehensions are premature as I have yet to submit my report”.
Sharan, a former additional solicitor-general, told IANS that Mohun Bagan in its written reply Tuesday stated that it would challenge the arbitration process in a court of law, thus raising doubts over his impartiality and integrity even before he has submitted the report.

“I feel that all claims made by Mohun Bagan are baseless. I am not against or for anybody. I am here to give my impartial findings and it is up to the parties to accept or not. As promised, I will submit my report Saturday,” he said.

Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra told IANS that the “arbitration process is a farce” and everything has been pre-planned by the AIFF.

“What is the use of the arbitration when we know its outcome? We will obviously challenge it in a court if we are not satisfied with the findings,” Mitra said.

AIFF general-secretary Alberto Colaco refused to comment on Mitra’s outburst.

The Kolkata club has suspended Bhutia for six months for missing an exhibition match and some of the team’s practice sessions last season. Bhaichung appealed to the AIFF against the ban and federation president Praful Patel appointed arbitrator.