Anwar Ali joins East Bengal from Delhi FC for Rs 2.5 crores transfer fee; signs five-year deal

The transfer agreement also includes a ‘special clause’

After much drama and speculation, Indian international Anwar Ali has officially completed all formalities and joined East Bengal from Delhi FC on a five-year deal that will last until the end of the 2028-29 season. East Bengal paid Rs 2.5 crores as a transfer fee to Delhi FC.

A source tracking this high-profile transfer told Khel Now, “Anwar Ali joined East Bengal in a record move. East Bengal paid Delhi FC Rs 2.5 crores as a transfer fee, making Ali one of the highest-paid players in Indian football.”

🚨 Breaking: Anwar Ali registered as an East Bengal player from 12-Aug-2024 to May 2029 on a permanent transfer from Delhi FC. More details to follow on @KhelNow. 🇮🇳⚽️ #IndianFootball #EastBengal #ISL

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 12, 2024

The controversy & legal battle

The controversy began when Anwar Ali terminated his four-year loan agreement with Mohun Bagan Super Giant unilaterally just one year into the contract. This action sparked a complex legal battle, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant asserting their rights over the player based on the signed agreement, while Anwar Ali sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the AIFF’s Players’ Status Committee (PSC) to facilitate his transfer to a new club.

The PSC declared the termination of the contract unjust but gave the NOC to Anwar Ali on 10th August 2024 and will hear all parties again on August 22 to give the final order in the case.

Unique clause in transfer agreement

A significant development occurred when a unique clause was added to the contract between Anwar Ali, East Bengal and Delhi FC. This clause stipulates that if Anwar Ali is fined due to the circumstances surrounding this transfer, the fine will be divided equally between East Bengal and Anwar Ali. Delhi FC will have no obligation to pay any portion of the fine.

A source familiar with the agreement, signed on July 10, 2024, told Khel Now, “There is a special clause added to this agreement which is not typically found in standard agreements in India.”

The clause 3.4 states, “In case there is any fine imposed on the player due to this transfer, the buying club and the player will be liable for the same in the ratio of 50:50. However, the selling club will provide every assistance and cooperation in defending any proceedings and appeals arising from or in connection with adjudication and imposition of such fine,” added the source, who requested anonymity.

Anwar Ali’s anticipated debut

East Bengal fans are eagerly awaiting the star defender’s debut. Many had hoped that the former Mohun Bagan defender would feature in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary tie, but it seems too early for Ali to play a competitive match. East Bengal will soon decide on his registration for the Durand Cup 2024.

Welcoming Anwar to the Emami East Bengal family, Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said, “Anwar is one of the best defenders in the country and a regular starter for the national team. Emami has been tracking him for a long time and when the chance came, we couldn’t let him go. He is one of the best in India and we hope with this signing we can come one step closer to our goals.”

Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat commented, “In Anwar, we have got another national team player who will give us much-needed experience at the top level and the quality and physicality in the squad that we are trying to build for the next few years.

“Players need to believe in what you are doing as a coach, before joining a new project. I am happy to see how some young players in Indian football have realized this season that Emami East Bengal is the club where they can take the next step in their careers.”

Expressing his joy at joining Emami East Bengal FC, Anwar said, “I am honored and excited to wear the Red & Gold jersey. The reception that I got at the Kolkata Airport was overwhelming and the fans have already shown me a lot of love and support. I want to dedicate the best years of my career to this iconic club and its passionate fans. Every time I take the field, I want to make our fans proud and happy. Joy East Bengal!”

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