Anwar Ali challenges AIFF suspension in Delhi High Court

Indian defender Anwar Ali, along with his current team East Bengal and his parent club Delhi FC, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to overturn the suspension imposed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The AIFF's suspension, which lasts for four months, was handed down after Ali was found guilty of "illegally terminating" his four-year contract with Mohun Bagan.

The AIFF's decision also includes a substantial compensation demand of Rs 12.90 crore from Ali, East Bengal, and Delhi FC. The suspension and compensation were announced earlier this week, following a complaint by Mohun Bagan challenging Ali's transfer.

Delhi FC owner Ranjit Bajaj confirmed that a writ petition has been filed with the Delhi High Court, which is scheduled to review the case.

Bajaj expressed concerns about the impact of the suspension on Ali's playing career, emphasizing that while financial compensation can be arranged, lost playing time cannot be recovered.

In addition to the suspension, the AIFF's players status committee has barred Delhi FC and East Bengal from registering new players for two transfer windows: the winter 2024-25 and the summer 2025-26 windows.

The committee has also imposed the compensation requirement, which includes Rs 8.40 crore for the remaining value of the contract, Rs 2 crore already paid under a loan agreement, and Rs 2.50 crore for additional damages.

The controversy surrounding Ali's transfer to East Bengal has been a hot topic in Kolkata's football circles.

The 23-year-old defender played a pivotal role in Mohun Bagan's ISL Shield-winning campaign last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 26 games.