India defender Anwar Ali has officially joined East Bengal after a complex transfer process involving his former club Mohun Bagan. The 23-year-old centre-back, who had prematurely ended his loan contract with Mohun Bagan, secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Player Status Committee (PSC) of the All India Football Federation, allowing him to sign a five-year deal with East Bengal. The transfer has been mired in controversy. Anwar had emailed Mohun Bagan to terminate his four-year loan contract, a move the Mariners disputed, asserting he was still under contract. The club even sent him a notice to report for training on July 19th, a week before the Durand Cup. Anwar, his parent club Delhi FC, and Mohun Bagan subsequently approached the PSC to resolve the situation. The Committee ruled that the loan termination was ‘without a just cause’ but granted Anwar clearance to join another club at his own risk, effectively providing the NOC needed for registration. Despite conceding the termination, Mohun Bagan reserved its right to claim sanctions and damages, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two clubs. Anwar will complete his registration with East Bengal after arriving at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and passing a medical. He will become East Bengal’s 10th signing of the season, joining a roster that already boasts three international players – Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and Hector Yuste – and six Indian players – David Lalhlansanga, Jeakson Singh, Provat Lakram, Debjit Majumder, Mark Zothanpuia, and Nishu Kumar. This transfer adds a significant element to the upcoming Kolkata Derby on August 18th, where East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will face off for the first time this season. Both clubs currently sit at the top of the Durand Cup standings with six points each. Anwar’s inclusion in East Bengal’s squad could be a pivotal factor in the derby, given his strong performance with Mohun Bagan in the 2023-24 season, during which he scored three goals and provided one assist in 26 appearances, contributing to their Durand Cup and Indian Super League Shield victories. He is also a key member of the Indian National Team, making his debut in March 2022 and playing a crucial role in their recent triumphs, including the Tri-Nations tournament, the Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship.
Anwar Ali Joins East Bengal After Controversial Transfer Saga
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