Anwar Ali receives NOC from AIFF - When will he make East Bengal debut?

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The resolution of a significant dispute involving East Bengal defender Anwar Ali has finally been reached, thanks to the intervention of the All India Football Federation's Players' Status Committee (AIFF PSC).

This comes after a period of uncertainty for Ali, stemming from a contract breach accusation made by Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which led to a four-month ban for the player.

AIFF PSC's decision to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Ali to play for East Bengal marks a turning point in the saga, effectively allowing him to incept his career with the club.

Previously, the AIFF PSC had found Anwar Ali guilty of the accusations levelled against him, resulting in a substantial sanction that included a sporting ban and financial penalties for both East Bengal and Delhi FC.

Legal Interventions and Regulatory Decisions

The turning point in Anwar Ali's case came from the Delhi High Court, which ordered the AIFF's PSC to issue a fresh verdict, leading to a favourable outcome for the player. Chaired by Godfred Periera, the four-member bench of the PSC agreed to grant Ali the necessary NOC, acknowledging his contract with East Bengal, which means the player is now free to represent his current team.

The AIFF's statement reflected this decision, noting, "The player's subsequent conduct of signing with East Bengal FC be given effect to pursuant to Article 9.5 of the AIFF Regulations on Status and Transfer of Players and the CRS be updated by treating this order as the requisite release letter/NOC."

What does the verdict mean to Anwar Ali and East Bengal?

The verdict from AIFF means that East Bengal can now finally hand the debut to their prized asset. Anwar Ali will also be extremely relieved as he's now cleared to make his debut for his new club.

When will Anwar Ali make his debut for East Bengal?

Anwar Ali is likely to make his debut for East Bengal on Sunday (September 22) against Kerala Blasters. The defender practised with the team on Thursday and is set to travel to Kochi on Friday. MyKhel understands the player will be in Carles Cuadrat's squad for the Kerala Blasters match.

East Bengal and Mohun Bagan issue will have a later hearing

In light of the controversy, there's a broader context involving the clubs themselves, with East Bengal and Delhi FC required to present their positions against Mohun Bagan's claims. The committee has also mandated that Mohun Bagan's response be shared with both clubs, particularly as East Bengal has raised objections to the allegations. To move forward, both East Bengal and Delhi FC are given a deadline of September 29 to submit their formal responses, and the next hearing will take place on September 30.