Anwar Ali can play till AIFF's final decision, Delhi High Court rules

In a huge relief for former India U-17 World Cup footballer Anwar Ali, Delhi High Court has allowed him to carry on playing football until All India Football Federation arrives at a final decision. court passed its order hearing a writ petition that Anwar Ali had filed against All India Football Federation’s directive barring him from playing, as it would put his health at risk. medical panel of Asian Football Confederation also recommended Ali be restricted from competitive sports activity.

case of Anwar Ali heart condition 

Anwar Ali, 20, has been diagsed with a rare condition kwn as apical Hyper cardiomyopathy (HCM). diagsis was made in Mumbai last year while he was playing in Indian Super League (ISL) and n confirmed last vember by experts at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Rennes, France. consensus: level of risk to Ali, in rmal conditions and at his , was low, but risk rose significantly during match conditions, and would be a factor over years.

However, for w, Delhi HC has overruled All India Football Federation Medical Committee’s recommendation to bar him from playing competitive football. Ali can w play until final AIFF decision is made.

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Speaking to PTI, Anwar Ali’s counsel Amitabh Tewari informed public that High Court ruled in favour of India U17 star. “ HC ruled that Ali can play till AIFF takes a final decision. letter of September 7 written by AIFF (to Mohammedan Sporting) in way can bar him from playing,” he said. "Anwar Ali also can approach court again in future after AIFF takes its final decision,” he added.

In petition, Ali had contended that by directing his club Mohammedan Sporting to refuse permission for him to train, AIFF was violating his fundamental right to earn a livelihood, despite centre-back getting go-ahead from a doctor in rewned Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research in Chandigarh.

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Leading UK-based cardiologist comes out in support of Anwar Ali 

Anwar Ali had also submitted before court testimony of Professor Sanjay Sharma of European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Dr Sharma is a Cardiology Advisor to English Football Association (FA) and oversees cardiovascular screening programme for Youth Academy players of 92 clubs affiliated with FA. In his testimony, Professor Sanjay Sharma stated that many players with a similar and even worse degree of HCM are currently playing in top competitive leagues in Europe and UK and recommended taking a liberal approach.

Executive Committee of AIFF is yet to take a final decision on matter, and a conclusion could arrive soon. For w, Anwar Ali is a free nt and can sign up with any club.

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Im credits: AP