Shocking Twist: Anwar Ali Banned, Clubs Face Huge Penalties!

Anwar Ali’s Contract Dispute: East Bengal and Delhi FC Face Transfer Bans

AIFF’s Decision Impacting Indian Football

In a landmark ruling by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Players’ Status Committee (PSC), Indian football faces a significant shakeup. Anwar Ali, the talented central defender, has been banned for four months, prohibiting him from participating in competitive football until January 10, 2025. This decision comes just a day after Ali made his first appearance in 90 days. Alongside Ali’s suspension, his former club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has been granted a record ₹12.9 crore in compensation — the highest ever awarded in Indian club football history.

Transfer Bans and the Impact on East Bengal and Delhi FC

The ruling also imposed severe consequences on East Bengal and Delhi FC. These clubs are now prohibited from registering any new players for two consecutive transfer windows. As a result, East Bengal and Delhi FC will be unable to sign new talent until September 1, 2025. This transfer ban, coupled with Ali’s suspension, marks a significant moment in Indian football, affecting the team dynamics of two of the country’s most prominent clubs.

Both clubs, along with Anwar Ali, have the option to appeal the decision to AIFF’s Appeals Committee or challenge the ruling in court. However, unless a stay order is granted, Ali will remain ineligible to play.

Legal Complications and Club Reactions

Ranjit Bajaj, co-owner of Delhi FC, voiced his concerns on social media platform X, indicating that the decision might lead to a prolonged legal battle. He commented, “This will take a while,” highlighting the case’s complexity. East Bengal, which had signed Ali on a five-year contract worth approximately ₹15 crore, expressed their intent to consult legal counsel before taking further action.

Debabrata Sarkar, an East Bengal official, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the case, stating, “The order has been sent to our lawyers and we are waiting to hear from them.” This legal ambiguity emerges just days before East Bengal’s inaugural match in the Indian Super League (ISL) against Bengaluru FC.

Background: Ali’s Transfer Saga and Contract Termination

Ali’s transfer from Mohun Bagan to East Bengal was not without its complications. Initially on loan to Mohun Bagan from Delhi FC until 2027, Ali sought to make a permanent move after expressing dissatisfaction with the temporary nature of his deal.

However, the PSC concluded that Ali had no justifiable cause for terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan, leading to the massive compensation award for the club.

This compensation package includes the calculated market value of Ali based on the average salaries from both clubs and the financial damage incurred by Mohun Bagan in seeking a replacement. The PSC deputy chairperson Savio Messias’ decision highlighted Mohun Bagan’s financial hardship. The team had already paid an AIFF sanction of ₹2 million for abandoning a Kolkata derby.

Consequences for East Bengal and Delhi FC

The PSC’s ruling also found East Bengal and Delhi FC “guilty” of inducing Ali to breach his contract with Mohun Bagan. As a result, the transfer ban was imposed as a sporting sanction against both clubs. The order revealed that evidence indicated a coordinated effort between both clubs and their officials to ensure the player’s transfer to East Bengal FC. This conclusion was drawn based on the available information and documents.

East Bengal, Delhi FC, and Ali have been instructed to pay the ₹12.9 crore compensation within 45 days. Should they fail to do so, the ban on player registrations could extend until January 30, 2026, and Ali could remain suspended from playing until March 10, 2025. For more details, you can read the AIFF Official Statement on the Ban.

FIFA Regulations and Their Role in the Dispute

FIFA regulations could play a pivotal role in this ongoing saga. Since July 2022, FIFA has stipulated that international loans cannot exceed one year. Member associations, including AIFF, were given until 2025 to align their domestic frameworks with this ruling. Ali might challenge the validity of his agreement with Mohun Bagan, which was set to last until 2027, using this FIFA regulation as a basis for appeal.

Anwar Ali’s Career and the Role of Delhi FC

Anwar Ali’s career comeback has been a testament to his perseverance. In 2020, the Delhi High Court allowed Ali to resume his football career after it had been derailed due to a heart condition. Delhi FC co-owner Ranjit Bajaj played a key role in supporting Ali during this period. Ali’s return to professional football was against the AIFF’s medical committee’s recommendation, which had initially banned him from playing. Ali’s legal team successfully argued that players with similar conditions are permitted to play in leagues abroad, notably in England.

Ali’s performance since his return has been exceptional, particularly during his time with India’s under-17 World Cup squad in 2017. His potential and rapid rise in Indian football only added to the complexity of this transfer dispute.

The Road Ahead for Indian Football

As this high-profile case continues to unfold, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences not just for the involved parties but for Indian football as a whole. The compensation package, transfer bans, and the legal battles surrounding the case all contribute to the growing professionalization of football in India.

Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, two of the most storied clubs in Indian football, now find themselves at the center of a financial and legal storm. Meanwhile, Anwar Ali faces the possibility of an extended suspension, further delaying his promising career.

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Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of the AIFF’s Decision

The AIFF’s decision in the Anwar Ali case has set a precedent for future disputes in Indian football. With significant financial penalties and transfer bans, the ruling signals a stricter stance on player contracts and transfers in Indian football. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact the broader landscape of Indian club football and player mobility.

Want to know more about Mohun Bagan’s journey and recent developments? Check out our detailed coverage on Mohun Bagan Super Giant for all the latest updates!