Anwar Ali gets the green signal to represent East Bengal

India defender Anwar Ali has been officially cleared to play for East Bengal following the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Players Status Committee. This significant development comes in the wake of a recent order from the Delhi High Court, which mandated a rehearing of Ali’s case and overturned a prior suspension that had been imposed by the AIFF. Anwar Ali's journey has been fraught with challenges, as the initial suspension raised concerns regarding his eligibility to play professional football. The court's decision to revisit the case reflects the importance of fair treatment and due process within sports governance. With the NOC now in hand, Ali is set to make his mark with East Bengal, a club that has a rich history and a passionate fan base.

This turn of events not only provides relief to Ali but also offers East Bengal a valuable asset in their quest for success in the current season. As the club gears up for upcoming matches, the addition of Ali to their defense will bolster their lineup significantly. Football fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how he integrates back into competitive play and contributes to his team’s performance moving forward. This resolution marks a positive step in Ali's career and the broader landscape of Indian football governance.

"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," the PSC stated while granting him NOC.

The next hearing in Anwar Ali's case is scheduled for September 30. This follows a turbulent period for the defender, who faced a four-month suspension from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after being deemed "guilty" of unjustly terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan on September 10. In addition to the suspension, the AIFF imposed a hefty compensation demand of Rs 12.90 crore, targeting not only Anwar but also his parent club, Delhi FC, and East Bengal, where he had recently signed a five-year contract. This staggering amount highlighted the severity of the AIFF's stance and raised questions about the treatment of players within the league.

The suspension and financial repercussions created significant uncertainty around Anwar's career, threatening his prospects with East Bengal, a club with a storied legacy in Indian football. However, with the Delhi High Court's intervention and the subsequent issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the AIFF's Players Status Committee, Anwar is now cleared to play.

The Delhi High Court intervened in Anwar Ali’s case, emphasizing that the AIFF's decision lacked adequate reasoning and failed to uphold principles of natural justice. The court criticized the federation for not providing Anwar with a fair opportunity to present his case, ultimately directing the AIFF to reconsider its ruling. Following the court's intervention, Anwar has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing him to officially join East Bengal and participate in the ongoing Indian Super League. This development marks a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to contribute to his new team after a tumultuous period.

Anwar is set to be available for East Bengal’s upcoming match against Kerala Blasters on September 22, as well as the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on October 19. These matches will be crucial for both Anwar and East Bengal as they look to establish their presence in the league. As he prepares to take the field, fans are eager to see how Anwar will perform and integrate into the squad, adding strength to East Bengal's defense. This situation not only affects Anwar’s career but also reflects the evolving landscape of player rights in Indian football.