Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) After getting an interim relief from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), national captain Bhaichung Bhutia signed for East Bengal here Wednesday.

Bhutia will play in East Bengal's away match against Pune Football Club in the first round of the I-League Saturday.

Bhutia, who has been suspended for six months by Mohun Bagan, formally signed up for East Bengal at the Indian Football Association (IFA) office after AIFF appointed arbitrator Amarendra Sharan allowed him to play for the red and gold brigade.

Sharan gave interim relief to Bhutia saying that he needs more time to deliver the final judgement over the footballer's ongoing tussle with Mohun Bagan.

Mohun Bagan has suspended Bhutia for missing an exhibition match and some practice sessions last season.

Bhutia appealed against the ban and AIFF president Praful Patel appointed Sharan, a former additional solicitor general, to solve the issue.