Mumbai, Sept 01: Impressed by the way the Malaysian league is run, India's ace striker Baichung Bhutia today called for a "more professional" approach in organising major football tournaments in the country. Bhutia, who has signed a two-month contract with Malaysian side Perak FC said India was at par with Malaysia as far as talent was concerned but lagged behind in organisational skills.
"Their (Malaysian) standard of football is as good as we have here but the league over there is organised and marketed well unlike in our country. Every team has a physio and two doctors are present during the matches. Two foreign players are allowed for each of the 12 teams taking part in the league,” he said. "I think the major tournaments, including federation cup, should be organised in more professional way with better ground and playing conditions for the players," the East Bengal striker told reporters at the launch of sports and entertainment management firm "9 Yards" here.
Bhutia, who has played in two matches so far and scored one goal, will be back in India next month after his two-month term gets over. Commenting on the fall-outs of such short term contracts, the Sikkimese said such contracts were good for players but not for teams.
"It will be fruitful for teams to sign long term contracts as short term contracts can only benefit a player and not the team," he said. Bureau Report