Former India skipper Subimal “Chunni” Goswami spoke exclusively to espnstar.com on the row between Bhaichung Bhutia and Mohun Bagan.

By Garima Varma

Football has changed a lot since Chunni's days on the turf. There is so much at stake after all.

“Mohun Bagan should allow Bhaichung to play for East Bengal,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what their common point of contention is but this all just seems to be eccentric.
“Both the sides are just hell bent on sticking to their view.

“It’s understood that Bhaichung has an obligation to meet the suspension order by Mohun Bagan, who employed him, but you can’t force a player of his stature this way.”

On Tuesday, the arbitration hearing into the suspension row between Bhaichung and Bagan had proved to be inconclusive and it was decided that it would continue on September 13.
Chunni had earlier described Bhaichung as one of the leading lights of this generation.

Chunni rubbished questions on Bhutia's commitment to the game and Bagan.

Chunni, who played for just one club – Bagan – throughout his career, instead chose to blame the setup more than any concerned party in the matter.

“It’s not about someone not being professional enough, but so much money is riding on a player these days that such confrontations are bound to happen,” said Chunni, who had led India to an Asian Games gold in 1962, the year he was adjudged the best striker in Asia.

Reflecting on the time Indian football was at its peak, Chunni said that the game had not changed for the good. 

“In our time, players didn’t get such exorbitant amount of money for their services. Since little money was involved, there were lesser tussles.

“I don’t remember me or any other player in my time having gone through any such contractual issues,” said Chunni, who holds the distinction of turning up for hockey and cricket sides as well.

While he played Ranji Trophy for Bengal, he took the field for his club’s hockey side as well.

“The standard of football was, therefore, very high. People just used to love football for the game it was.

“It’s no more the case. Many other factors have also come into play.”

Chunni, however, was hopeful that the matter would soon be resolved amicably.

“I am sure the arbitrator (Solicitor General of India Amarendra Sharan) will soon reach a right verdict,” he said.

And, as far as his former club’s chances in the IFA Shield were concerned Chunni, said that though it was “anybody’s match on a given day”, his heart would beat for Bagan only.

“I definitely want Bagan to clinch the shield,” the 2005 Mohun Bagan Ratna said.