Baichung Bhutia wants clubs to release players early for Nehru Cup

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Former India captain Baichung Bhutia on Sunday slammed the I-League Professional Football Clubs Association's (ILPFCA) decision to not release the players at least two weeks before the camp for the Nehru Cup.

"Everyone should support India's cause for betterment of football and if the country win everyone, the clubs, the players and even media would be benefitted," owner of the URO United Sikkim told a media conference here.

Bhutia, also one of the members of ILPFCA, said the organisation was formed for betterment of football and hence joining the camp well in time would help players to hone their skill.

"All should also support newly appointed AIFF's senior coach Wim Koevermans as his experience would surely help Indian football," Bhutia said indicating two weeks training for Indian players is not sufficient.

The ILPFCA's President and Salgaocar Secretary Raj Gomes had reportedly said the member clubs would not release their players two weeks before the Nehru Cup tournament, scheduled to begin August 22.