Anwar Ali Banned: AIFF Rules in Favour of Mohun Bagan in Contract Dispute

Anwar Ali for East Bengal
Anwar Ali for East Bengal (PC: East Bengal/X)

On 10th September 2024, the All India Football Federation Players Status Committee (AIFF PSC) delivered its verdict regarding player Anwar Ali’s contractual dispute with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), as well as the involvement of counter-respondents Delhi FC and East Bengal FC.

The Committee determined that Anwar Ali’s termination of his contract with MBSG lacked just cause, violating the principles of contractual stability outlined by AIFF and FIFA transfer regulations. The AIFF PSC noted that the player failed to provide sufficient justification for the termination.

The ruling highlighted the violation of Article 17 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which is designed to uphold contractual stability between players and clubs. The decision reaffirmed that any termination by a player must be legally justified; otherwise, sanctions are inevitable.

Anwar Ali, Delhi FC, and East Bengal FC were ordered to jointly compensate MBSG with INR 12.9 Crores for damages caused by the unjust contract termination. This substantial figure factors in not only the player’s market value but also MBSG’s investment in his development and the disruption to their squad. The Committee found that both Delhi FC and East Bengal FC actively encouraged Anwar Ali to breach his contract with MBSG.

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Anwar Ali with kids who are East Bengal supporters
Anwar Ali with kids who are East Bengal supporters (PC: East Bengal/X)

In addition to financial compensation, the Committee imposed sporting sanctions. Anwar Ali received a four-month ban, which will be suspended between the last official match of the current season and the first official match of the next season.

Delhi FC and East Bengal FC have been banned from registering new players for two consecutive transfer windows, with sanctions taking effect from the date of the ruling’s notification.

Advocate Shlok Chandra, alongside the Krida Legal Team led by Managing Partner Vidushpat Singhania, Senior Associate Kushagra Jain, and Associates Neil M. Goswami and Arnav Singhal, represented Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the proceedings.

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