Anwar Ali cleared to play for East Bengal after receiving No Objection Certificate

Indian defender Anwar Ali was on Thursday allowed to play for East Bengal after the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Player Status Committee issued him a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The decision came after the Delhi High Court ordered a re-hearing of his case, overturning a previous suspension imposed by the AIFF. While granting him the NOC, the PSC said, “The player’s conduct after signing with East Bengal FC will be considered effective as per Article 9.5 and this order will be updated to the CRS by treating it as the requisite release letter/NOC.”

The next hearing is scheduled for September 30.

On September 10, the AIFF imposed a four-month suspension on Anwar, saying he was “guilty” of improperly terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan.

Apart from the suspension, the AIFF has sought a whopping Rs 12.90 crore as compensation from him, his parent club Delhi FC and East Bengal, where he had signed a five-year contract.

However, the Delhi High Court intervened and stressed that the AIFF’s decision lacked logic and did not follow the principles of natural justice.

The court also criticised the federation for not giving Anwar a fair opportunity to present his case and directed the AIFF to reconsider its decision.

With the NOC, Anwar is now officially “free” to join East Bengal and participate in the ongoing Indian Super League.

He will be available for the match against Kerala Blasters on September 22 as well as the much-awaited Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on October 19.

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