Bhutia cleared to play for Perak

With world soccer governing body FIFA relaxing its stringent lien rules for star striker Baichung Bhutia, the All India Football Federation has cleared the nimble footed player for a two-month stint with Perak FC, Malaysia.

"Yes, we have issued him an International Transfer Certificate to play in Malaysia," sources in AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco's office in Panaji, Goa, confirmed.

Colaco, however, could not be contacted.

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AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi had earlier appealed to FIFA to relax the rule for Bhutia, the biggest brand name in Indian football at present.

The Sikkimese, a key player of East Bengal, had struck a deal with the Malaysian side after the city giants' successful ASEAN Cup campaign in Jakarta. The East Bengal executive committee later decided to permit Bhutia to play for Perak for two months so as to rope in his services for the National Football League and AFC Champions League fixtures.

East Bengal coach Subhas Bhowmick said he has no problem in releasing Bhutia for two months, but added that the striker could only be allowed to go after the red and gold brigade's local league match against arch-rival Mohun Bagan on September 4.

Bhutia was unavailable for comment as he is now in his native village in Sikkim.