AIFF leave decision on Ruidas to IFA after East Bengal submit contract papers

A CONTRACT PAPER purportedly showing that young left winger Abinash Ruidas is bound to play for East Bengal for another couple of years has reached AIFF.

A couple of days ago, as the controversy regarding the status of East Bengal's contract with Ruidas was still raging, the player turned up to complete his medicals to enrol for the ISL Draft. At the same time, East Bengal officials submitted a copy of what they claim is Ruidas's contract with the club till 2019, something the player denies exists, insisting that his deal ran out in the summer, making him a free player.

The contract copy was submitted to Indian Football Association (West Bengal). From there, it has been forwarded to the All India Football Federation. The AIFF has acknowledged that they have got the papers, and have said they will go with the decision IFA make regarding the authenticity of the document.

If IFA rules in East Bengal's favour, Ruidas will not only be forced to stay with the club for another couple of years, but he will also face possible punishment from the AIFF Disciplinary Committee for engaging in contract fraud, which can range from a hefty fine to a suspension. If, however, the East Bengal club is found in the wrong, they may be subject to a big fine as well.

With just a few days left before the ISL Draft gets underway, it now looks unlikely that Ruidas will be able to be a part of it, and his future hangs in balance until IFA's decision regarding the matter comes out.

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