AIFF Bans Anwar Ali for Four Months, Mohun Bagan Set to Receive ₹12.90 Crore in Compensation

Anwar Ali’s Controversial Transfer: A Deep Dive into the Indian Football Saga: Anwar Ali's sudden ending of a four-year loan arrangement with Mohun Bagan on July 9, 2024 has lately caused a big debate in Indian football. His choice to go back to Delhi FC, his parent club, set off a series of circumstances that resulted in a convoluted transfer that enthrals the football community.

Also Read: Opinion/ Stat Proves That Cristiano Ronaldo Doesn't Need World Cup to be the GOAT

Unfolding of the Transfer Drama and 4 Month Ban on the Indian Team Defender 

Anwar Ali, together with Delhi FC and East Bengal, signed a tripartite agreement on July 10, 2024 one day after his loan contract was terminated. With this agreement, Ali's five-year contract with Delhi FC was transferred to East Bengal. East Bengal paid Delhi FC a transfer fee of ₹2.5 crores as per this contract. The contract has an explicit clause stating that East Bengal and Anwar Ali would equally split any penalties Anwar Ali pays for the transfer, therefore relieving Delhi FC of any financial liability for any charges.

Anwar Ali officially signed a five-year deal with East Bengal on July 11, 2024; Khel Now claims that Ali's whole pay package would be ₹24 crores throughout the course of the contract. This total comprises ₹8.5 crores set out as loyalty benefits.

Anwar Ali had previously requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Players' Status Committee (PSC) of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to finalise his move, but the public only just learnt about these arrangements via media reports.

The PSC first decided that ending Ali's contract with Mohun Bagan was "unjust." Still, the NOC was approved on August 11, 2024, which let Ali complete his move to East Bengal the next day. Only after this clearance did Khel Now reported the specifics of these deals.

On September 10, 2024, the PSC rendered a last decision imposing heavy penalties. Starting on the first matchday of the ISL 2024-25 season, Anwar Ali will have a four-month sporting suspension. East Bengal and Delhi FC also face two transfer window bans beginning with the January 2025 window. Moreover, all three parties—Anwar Ali, Delhi FC, and East Bengal—have to pay Mohun Bagan a total compensation of ₹12.90 crores.

Regarding pay, Anwar Ali accounts for half of the ₹12.90 crores; East Bengal will pay the other half. East Bengal will also be limited on registering or signing fresh players throughout the winter and summer transfer seasons 2024 and 2025. East Bengal spends ₹32.95 crores overall to acquire Anwar Ali, including the transfer fee, pay, and penalties.

Delhi FC will also come across a two-transfer window restriction, although it will not be responsible for any compensation claims.

All concerned maintain their right to appeal the PSC's decision to the AIFF Appeals Committee. Should Anwar Ali decide to appeal, the money reimbursement will be withheld until the Appeals Committee renders its final decision. One will need a stay order from the Appeals Committee to remove the mandated prohibitions.