Every football fan in India is eager to know the outcome of what is now well known as the Anwar Ali saga. The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Players’ Status Committee (PSC) hasn’t yet given its verdict and from what we know, it will take a little time to do so.
This is because the PSC is keen on connecting all the dots and delivering a comprehensive judgment on all the issues at hand rather than giving a partial verdict, which could result in serious complications and heartburn. So rather than getting an operative part of the verdict like we had in the case of Vinesh Phogat, we can expect a detailed verdict on this issue by the middle of next week.
Among all the parties concerned, Mohun Bagan will not be too unhappy with the delay. If a sporting sanction is imposed on Anwar, which is likely, a delay means the player will be out for longer. East Bengal aren’t playing anytime soon, so the fans will have to wait longer to see the defender in action.
Sources say the hearing, which went on for close to four hours and concluded around 9.30 pm on Thursday, allowed every party concerned to have their say in detail. While the arguments were started by Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), it was East Bengal who finished the proceedings. Mohun Bagan are said to have given their submission, demanding a ban on Anwar for the illegal termination of the loan agreement and also demanded action on East Bengal and Delhi FC for inducing the player to do so. Mohun Bagan have also demanded a hefty compensation for the acts committed.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
Anwar’s lawyers, who spoke soon after MBSG finished, argued that the player had followed the FIFA rule and it isn’t fair to call his termination unjust. However, with the PSC already calling it an illegal termination, it is expected that the argument wouldn’t hold much water.
Delhi FC, who could get a transfer ban in the next window, argued that it was East Bengal, the new club, that could have induced the player to do what he did. Delhi FC had come well armed with lawyers who have experience of dealing with the CAS cases and they strongly argued that it should be East Bengal and not Delhi FC who should be liable to pay compensation, if any.
Finally, it was the turn of East Bengal who argued that they were made to understand from Delhi FC that Anwar was a free player and they have only signed him subject to clearance by the PSC so they have acted in good faith.
With all arguments now done, it has to be seen what the PSC decides. Lawyers aware of the merit of the case suggest that a sporting sanction on Anwar looks imminent with a fairly hefty compensation levied on East Bengal and the player concerned. Can Delhi FC escape the burden of compensation is something we need to wait and see. For MBSG, it is expected that they will not be allowed to make any profit out of the case, as is the norm, and hence the compensation amount could be half or slightly less than half of what has been asked for.
What is also to be seen is if Anwar can continue to play for India which is important, with the tri-nation tournament happening in Hyderabad in early September.
So all eyes will now be on the PSC as it brings to an end this rather bitter saga by the middle or late next week.
Also Read: Manasi Joshi continues to dream, of Paralympic glory