Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra told IANS that the 'arbitration process is a farce' and everything has been pre-planned by the AIFF.

'What is the use of the arbitration when we know its outcome? We will obviously challenge it in a court if we are not satisfied with the findings,' Mitra said.

AIFF general-secretary Alberto Colaco refused to comment on Mitra's outburst.

The Kolkata club has suspended Bhutia for six months for missing an exhibition match and some of the team's practice sessions last season. Bhaichung appealed to the AIFF against the ban and federation president Praful Patel appointed arbitrator.