AIFF Appeals Committee sets aside PSC orders in Anwar Ali dispute, sends case back for fresh hearing

A huge result for East Bengal FC, Delhi FC and Anwar Ali off the field.

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Appeals Committee has set aside two interim orders passed by the federation’s Players’ Status Committee (PSC) in the long-running eligibility dispute involving East Bengal FC defender Anwar Ali, remanding the matter for fresh adjudication.

In its final order, the Appeals Committee annulled the PSC’s interim decisions dated August 3, 2024, and August 10, 2024, which had a direct bearing on Ali’s registration status amid competing claims involving Indian Super League (ISL) clubs Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, I-League 2 club Delhi FC and the player himself.

The ruling effectively resets the case, directing the PSC to rehear the dispute in accordance with law. The decision was passed with the concurrence of committee members Diwakar Tithe and Priyanka Mishra

A huge relief for East Bengal FC and Anwar Ali

The AIFF Appeals Committee clarified that it was expressing no opinion on the merits of the claims or counterclaims between the parties. It also emphasised that all sides remain free to pursue their respective rights and remedies under law, including in parallel proceedings pending before the Honourable Delhi High Court.

Importantly, the order states that any decision taken by the PSC will remain subject to the final outcome of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 14661/2024, as noted in the Delhi High Court’s order dated Oct. 21, 2024. The Appeals Committee said the remand was intended to conclusively dispose of the issue after a full and fresh consideration by the PSC.

“Therefore, in view of the reasons set out in the prior paragraphs, the following directions are now issued with a view to conclusively dispose of the entire issue:A. The impugned interim orders dated 03.08.2024 and 10.08.2024 passed by the AIFF PSC are set aside.B. The decision expresses no comments about the various proceedings pending before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court and all the parties are at liberty to work out their rights and remedies in accordance with law. C. It is made clear that the orders passed by the AIFF PSC shall remain subject to the final outcome of proceedings before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in WPC No. 14661/2024 as noted in its order dated 21.10.2024 D. The matter is remanded to the AIFF PSC for fresh adjudication, and the AIFF PSC shall decide the matter is accordance with law. Parties are at liberty to raise all available contentions before the AIFF PSCE. The decision has been passed with the concurrence of Shri Diwakar Tithe and Smt. Priyanka Mishra,” the direction read.

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End of a long off-field battle

The case has been one of the most closely watched off-field battles in Indian football this season, with implications for player registrations and contractual stability across the Indian Super League and the I-League ecosystem. Anwar Ali, a regular for the Indian national team when fit, was at the center of overlapping contractual claims following his move history across clubs.

While the AIFF Appeals Committee’s ruling does not determine Ali’s immediate playing status, it removes the effect of the earlier interim orders and sends the dispute back to the PSC’s docket. The new development is expected to trigger a fresh round of hearings, where all parties may raise available contentions, submit evidence and argue the validity of contracts and counterclaims.

For now, the focus shifts back to the PSC, whose forthcoming decision will again be subject to judicial scrutiny, underscoring the complex legal terrain surrounding player transfers in Indian football.

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