Report: Anwar Ali asked to stop training, medical report sent to AFC

I-League CEO believes that a final decision on the future of the player in football should come by the end of the week.

Former Mumbai City FC defender Anwar Ali has been asked to stop training by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The latest report on his health condition has been sent to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). According to a report from PTI. A source from the AIFF has claimed that the centre-back’s tests are “probably not good enough” for him to continue playing competitive football.

The 20-year-old had signed for Mohammedan Sporting Club ahead of the upcoming 2nd Division league tournament. In October last year, the player was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition that prohibited him from participating in the 2019-20 Indian Super League season. He flew to France for further treatment and later on signed for the Black Panthers after mutually terminating his contract with the Islanders.

Thereafter, Anwar Ali underwent an MRI, a CT scan and blood tests at a reputed private hospital in Kolkata. The reports of those tests were sent to the AIFF medical committee to provide him clearance to resume playing the sport professionally. I-League CEO Sunando Dhar stated to PTI, “His reports have been sent to the AFC and till a final decision is taken, he has been asked to stop practice. A decision on his future in football should come by this weekend.”

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das has asserted that the governing body cannot take any risks with respect to the life of a young player. “Several tests have been done on him, he was sent to Spain to get a specific test done. At the Nanavati Hospital (in Mumbai) also, he was checked. We are praying that he is fine. He is one of the most talented players we have, but we cannot take risks, cannot put any player at risk,” Das categorically clarified to PTI.

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Apparently, Anwar Ali is keen to get back on the field. He comes from a very humble background and has to feed and look after a family of six. He is the household’s most important bread-winner and hence it is arguably imperative for him to continue with his career. The federation seems to be in a difficult situation. They would not want to lose the services of such a prodigious talent, but need to ensure that there is no complacency regarding his health either.