Football's world governing body FIFA has closed Mohun Bagan's case against Brazilian striker Jose Barretto after the Kolkata club failed to back up its complaint despite repeated reminders.
After lodging a complaint with FIFA against its former recruit Barretto, Bagan failed to provide all the details to the world governing body forcing it to close the case file.
AIFF Secretary Alberto Colaco got an intimation to this effect from G Monteneri, Head of FIFA's Players' Status on February 1.
"We presume that our services are not required anymore in the matter and we therefore proceed to the closure of the file," the letter said.
A copy of the letter was also marked to Barretto who is now playing in Malaysia.
Ironically, it was Bagan who had complained against Barretto after the player quit the maroon and green brigade last year in January alleging that club officials were misbehaving with players.
In October 2004, FIFA wrote to the All India Football Federation asking Bagan "to provide us with all the payment receipts regarding payments it made towards Barretto in accordance with the employment contract singed on July 3, 2003."
But strangely there was no reply from Bagan to the FIFA communiqué.
Last month, the AIFF got another message on behalf of FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber on the club's inaction.
"As we still do not appear to have received a reply from your affiliate to date, this letter serves as a reminder to our former correspondence. Should we not receive any response by January 28, 2005 at the latest we will refrain from intervening in the matter and close the file," it said.
The Brazilian had played a key role in winning three National Football League titles for Bagan in a four-year stint but left last January after a bitter fight with the club officials.
"I've taken this decision because I've reached my limit," Barretto had said before leaving.
"They can't oblige me to play. If Mohun Bagan can break contract with players in the middle of a season, so can a player," Barretto said.
The striker had also said that he was prepared to face any objection to his move from the club.
"Let them show cause me. Let them move the IFA or even FIFA. I have my own answers to their complaints."
Barretto also said he had no hidden agenda.
"I don't have any hidden agenda. My decision is entirely taken for the betterment of Indian football. That, please show more respect to the players, and the foreigners in particular".
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