Anwar Ali given NOC by AIFF PSC to play for East Bengal

The next hearing of the Anwar Ali case is scheduled later this month.

Amidst the significant chaos and events preceded in the ongoing “Anwargate Saga,” the AIFF Players’ Status Committee (PSC) has issued an interim order granting national team defender Anwar Ali the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to join East Bengal.

This decision allows Anwar Ali to complete his desired move to the Kolkata-based club while the case continues to unfold.

The interim order explicitly states: “The player’s subsequent conduct of signing with East Bengal FC be given effect to pursuant to Article 9.5 and the CRS be updated by treating this order as the requisite release letter/NOC.”

This ruling effectively clears any legal or regulatory hurdles that previously stood in the way of his transfer, permitting him to don the East Bengal jersey and represent the club in official competitions until the next hearing.

What can Anwar Ali bring to East Bengal?

Anwar Ali, a key asset now for the Red and Gold has been at the center of controversy due to a contractual dispute with his previous club Mohun Bagan. The PSC’s interim decision now provides a temporary resolution, enabling him to continue his professional career without hindrance.

This move is seen as a major boost for East Bengal who have been looking to strengthen their defence. Anwar Ali’s inclusion will certainly add depth to their fragile and inexperienced backline. His availability to play immediately will also benefit the team, as they gear up for an important fixture against Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.

East Bengal are currently going through a rough patch, as the club lost in the Durand Cup quarter-finals against I-League side Shillong Lajong. They were also on the receiving end of a defeat in the game against Altyn Asyr in the AFC Champions League 2 Qualifiers. Carles Cuadrat’s side’s poor run continued in their ISL opener, where they lost to Bengaluru FC by a narrow margin.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for September 30th, when the AIFF Players’ Status Committee will further deliberate on the matter. Until then, Anwar Ali is free to represent East Bengal, providing the club and its supporters some temporary relief amid the ongoing dispute.

What is the entire saga?

The AIFF PSC had earlier pronounced the decision to allow Ali’s move to East Bengal. However, in the final judgement the PSC had given a four-month ban to the player, while parent club Delhi FC and East Bengal were given a two-transfer window ban. Additionally, Anwar Ali, Delhi FC and East Bengal were fined INR 12.9 crores for terminating his loan contract with Mohun Bagan “without just cause.”

East Bengal had challenged the ruling in the Delhi High Court, arguing that the PSC had no jurisdiction to impose the sporting bans or levy any monetary fine. The argument of East Bengal’s lawyers was accepted and the Delhi HC had asked the PSC to rehear the entire case.

Public timeline of the Anwar Ali transfer saga:

• July 9: Unilateral contract termination by Anwar Ali
• July 10: Anwar Ali requests AIFF to register him back with Delhi FC
• July 12: Mohun Bagan requests Anwar to rejoin the squad by July 19
• July 17: Anwar pleads his case before the PSC
• July 19: Anwar does not join Mohun Bagan’s training
• August 2: Case listed before AIFF PSC
• August 3: PSC interim order declares the loan terminated “without just cause”
• August 10: Hearing to obtain NOC from the PSC
• August 11: AIFF PSC grants NOC to Anwar, warning him to proceed at his own risk pending the final decision
• August 12: East Bengal registers Anwar Ali on a five-year deal
• August 23: Final hearing
• September 10: Final decision by the PSC
• September 13: Delhi High Court orders rehearing
• September 19: AIFF PSC commences rehearing of case: Grants fresh NOC to Anwar Ali’s move to East Bengal FC

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