Indian football star Anwar Ali has been handed a four-month suspension by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following the controversy surrounding his move from Mohun Bagan Super Giant to East Bengal. The AIFF found Anwar guilty of breaching his four-year loan agreement with Mohun Bagan, leading to his suspension. Moreover, both East Bengal, the club he recently joined on loan, and his parent club, Delhi FC, have been banned from registering new players for the next two transfer windows.
The AIFF Players’ Status Committee announced the decision on Tuesday, stating, “Anwar Ali will face a four-month suspension, and both East Bengal and Delhi FC will be barred from signing new players for two transfer windows starting January. Additionally, all three parties—Anwar Ali, Delhi FC, and East Bengal—are required to pay a compensation of Rs 12.90 crores to Mohun Bagan.”
Anwar, a key player in India’s national football team, has made 22 appearances for the Blue Tigers since his debut in March 2022, helping the team secure victories in the 2023 Tri-Nation series, Intercontinental Cup, and SAFF Championship. The 23-year-old defender has represented India at all levels, from U-17 to the senior team, and was part of the squad for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup held in India.
Anwar gained recognition after progressing through Minerva Academy’s youth system and playing for the AIFF’s developmental team in 2017. Since 2021, he has featured in 46 Indian Super League (ISL) matches, establishing himself as one of the country’s top centre-backs.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Anwar has demonstrated his ability to score goals. Last season, he netted three goals and provided one assist in 26 matches. He was also Delhi FC’s top scorer in the 2021 I-League Qualifiers with four goals. In the most recent ISL season, Anwar recorded impressive stats, including four clean sheets, 18 interceptions, 17 tackles, 45 successful duels, 19 aerial duels, 9 blocks, 67 recoveries, 52 clearances, and 549 successful passes in 16 matches.
