Anwar Ali free to join East Bengal as per AIFF PSC order

However, Anwar Ali may face legal action if he decides to play in any competitions until the final order.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player Status Committee has issued an interim order regarding the ongoing dispute between Indian international footballer Anwar Ali and his loan club Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The controversy erupted after Anwar Ali unilaterally terminated his four-year loan agreement signed between Delhi FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, just one year into the contract. This action led to a complex legal battle, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant asserting their rights over the player as per the signed agreement, while Anwar Ali sought a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the AIFF to facilitate his transfer to a new club.

Background of dispute

Anwar Ali, who had been on loan from Delhi FC to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, decided to terminate his loan contract prematurely. Citing various reasons, Ali approached the AIFF Player Status Committee to obtain the necessary NOC that would allow him to register with a new club.

On the other hand, Mohun Bagan Super Giant contested this termination, claiming it violated the terms of the loan agreement and sought to retain the player.

Findings in interim order

In its order dated August 10, 2024, the AIFF Player Status Committee made several key determinations based on the claims made by both parties. It is to be noted that the interim order is based on prima-facie findings as on 10th August. The parties can raise/argue their rights and contentions on 22nd August at the next hearing. In this article, we will explain the nitty-gritty of the order and simplify it for Khel Now readers. 

The latest order by PSC can be treated as a NOC for Anwar Ali. He is free to sign for East Bengal and play. @KhelNow #IndianFootball 'The player's participation in any competition until the final disposal of this case shall be at the risk of both the player and his new club and…

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 10, 2024

1. On provisional registration & NOC

The committee in its first point noted that “the issue of the provisional registration of the player is separate from the contractual dispute and is merely administrative.” Despite Mohun Bagan Super Giant conceding that a termination was indeed in effect, they had not issued an NOC. 

Hence, the PSC responded by stating, “It is hereby directed that this order may be treated as an NOC for purposes of player reintegration and registration on the AIFF CRS.” 

However, the committee emphasized that this registration is provisional and “subject to the final order of the committee.” 

2. Player’s Participation

The AIFF clarified that Anwar Ali’s participation in any competitions during this interim period is not final and would be at his own risk as well as that of his new club.

The committee noted, “The player’s participation in any competition until the final disposal of this case shall be at the risk of both the player and his new club and shall be subject to all the AIFF rules and regulations.”

3. Counter-claim by Mohun Bagan Super Giant

The committee as per its initial order on 3rd August directed the parties to file the necessary replies and claims if any. In response to the direction, Mohun Bagan Super Giant filed a counter-claim on August 8, 2024, involving Delhi FC and East Bengal as parties of interest. A copy of the claims by Mohun Bagan has been circulated to all the parties. The AIFF directed all interested parties to submit their replies by August 20, 2024.

“The committee has already directed vide order dated 03.08.2024 for all parties to file the necessary replies and documents about the issue of termination. Accordingly, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has filed a counter-claim dated 08.08.2024 within the period prescribed. A copy of this counter-claim is to be provided to all other interested parties,” the judgment read.

The committee acknowledged the need for a timely resolution and has given both Delhi FC and East Bengal (herein the interested parties) as well as Anwar Ali the time to respond to the claims made by Mohun Bagan till 20th August. The committee stated, “Time is of the essence in this case,” and scheduled a final hearing for August 22, 2024.

4. Interim order on Prima-Facie findings: PSC

Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the committee set the date for the final hearing, where all parties will have the opportunity to present their full arguments. The committee noted, “It has only made prima facie findings up to this date and the parties are free to raise/argue all their rights and contentions at the final hearing.”

Implications & Next Steps

The AIFF’s interim order has provided a temporary resolution to the standoff, allowing Anwar Ali to continue his professional career while the legal proceedings unfold. However, the final decision, set to be made later this month, will determine the long-term consequences for both the player and the involved clubs. 

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