Exclusive: Anwar Ali to earn Rs 24 crores at East Bengal over five years

The Indian international terminated his contract with Mohun Bagan to join their arch-rivals.

Anwar Ali unilaterally terminated his four-year loan agreement with Mohun Bagan just one year into the contract on July 9, 2024, to sign a transfer agreement with East Bengal on July 10, 2024.

The Players’ Status Committee (PSC) declared the termination of the contract unjust, but granted Anwar Ali a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on August 10, 2024, allowing him to complete his move from Delhi FC to East Bengal on August 12, 2024. The PSC will hear from all parties again on August 22 to issue a final order in the case.

As Khel Now revealed on August 12, Anwar Ali signed a five-year deal with East Bengal after they agreed to pay a Rs 2.5 crores transfer fee to Delhi FC. Since then, many unconfirmed reports have circulated about Anwar Ali’s salary package.

Anwar Ali’s salary structure

A source tracking this transfer informed Khel Now, “Anwar Ali will receive Rs 24 crores from East Bengal over five years, which includes Rs 8.5 crores as a loyalty bonus.”

According to Schedule 1 of the agreement between Ali and East Bengal, the payment structure is as follows:

• East Bengal will pay Rs 7.50 crores to Anwar Ali in equal monthly instalments from August 31, 2024, to May 31, 2027.
• East Bengal will pay Rs 8 crores to Ali in equal instalments from June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2029.
• Anwar Ali will receive Rs 4 crores as a loyalty bonus at the end of the 2027-28 Indian football season.
• Anwar Ali will receive Rs 4.5 crores as a loyalty bonus at the end of the 2028-29 Indian football season.

“This structure appears designed to minimize the apparent salary for compensation purposes, as such significant loyalty bonuses are unusual in Indian football,” a legal expert familiar with contracts between footballers and clubs in India told Khel Now.

By the end of his five-year deal, Ali will be the highest-paid footballer in India, earning an average of Rs 4.8 crores per year.

East Bengal are investing a substantial Rs 26.5 crores in Anwar Ali and their fans will be hoping that he provides solid stability in defence. Once the legal matters are resolved, Ali can focus on the pitch and lead East Bengal to glory.

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