The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday imposed a four-month suspension on India international and Emami East Bengal defender Anwar Ali, finding him “guilty” of illegally terminating his four-year contract with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who are also eligible for a huge compensation of ₹12.90 crore.
The AIFF’s players status committee also ruled that Anwar’s parent club Delhi FC and current team East Bengal, with whom he has entered into a five-year contract, have been banned from registering any new players for “two entire and consecutive registration periods” (2024-25 winter and 2025-26 summer transfer windows).
Anwar, East Bengal and Delhi FC are all jointly “liable” for the compensation amount which includes ₹8.40 crore for the residual value of the contract, ₹2 crore already paid by Mohun Bagan to Delhi FC under loan agreement, and ₹2.50 crore for “other damage suffered by the club (Bagan),” stated the decision of the AIFF players status committee.
The Telegraph, in its August 4 edition, had reported that Anwar faced a few months’ ban and would most likely have to pay a hefty fine as well.
Anwar, however, is set to appeal the AIFF verdict, senior East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar said. “Yes, Anwar will be appealing. We will also get to know the details from the club’s lawyers tomorrow (Wednesday), Sarkar said.
The 23-year-old, who had played a key role in Bagan’s ISL shield-winning campaign with three goals and an assist last season, terminated his contract and joined arch-
rivals East Bengal on a five-year deal.
Bagan then challenged the decision by filing a complaint with the national federation’s players status committee.
“In accordance with Article 20.4, the Player is restricted from playing in official matches for a period of 4 (four) months, a period that shall commence from the date of notification of this decision,” read the verdict.
Anwar, however, will be eligible to play for India, but for East Bengal, the verdict does come as a blow before they begin their ISL campaign this Saturday, against Bengaluru FC.
