India Defender Anwar Ali, East Bengal, and Delhi FC Challenge AIFF Suspension
India defender Anwar Ali, along with his current club East Bengal and parent club Delhi FC, have filed a writ petition with the Delhi High Court challenging the four-month suspension imposed on the player by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The suspension stems from Anwar’s alleged “illegal termination” of his four-year contract with Mohun Bagan.
The AIFF’s Players Status Committee found Anwar guilty of breaching his contract and ordered him, East Bengal, and Delhi FC to pay a hefty compensation of Rs 12.90 crore to Mohun Bagan. The compensation includes Rs 8.40 crore for the residual value of the contract, Rs 2 crore paid to Delhi FC under a loan agreement, and Rs 2.50 crore for other damages.
Delhi FC owner Ranjit Bajaj expressed concern over the suspension, stating that it would deprive Anwar of valuable playing time. “How can we let the player lose out on matches in the coming days? You can get money back, but you can’t get the matches back once they are played,” he said.
East Bengal’s top official, Debabrata Sarkar, echoed Bajaj’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Anwar’s participation in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL). “We have approached the Delhi HC to ensure that Anwar can play until the AIFF’s Appeals Committee makes a decision on the matter,” Sarkar said. “The player’s career should not be affected at all cost.”
The AIFF’s Players Status Committee also banned East Bengal and Delhi FC from registering players for two transfer windows for their involvement in Anwar’s contract breach. The committee ruled that all three parties are jointly liable for the compensation amount.
Anwar’s transfer to East Bengal sparked controversy in Kolkata, with Mohun Bagan challenging the move and filing a complaint with the AIFF. The 23-year-old defender played a crucial role in Mohun Bagan’s ISL Shield-winning campaign last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 26 games.
The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the writ petition on Friday. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Anwar’s career and the future of player contracts in Indian football.
