Anwar Ali has finally received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Player’s Status Committee (PSC), officially allowing him to feature for East Bengal FC in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL). The dramatic transfer saga between arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giants and East Bengal has taken a temporary turn, with a final decision on the defender’s future still pending.
Anwar’s journey to East Bengal began after he terminated a four-year loan deal with Mohun Bagan, only to sign a lucrative five-year contract with their arch-rivals in July. In response, the Mariners filed a legal complaint, alleging “unjust termination of contract.” The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the PSC ruled in favor of Mohun Bagan, imposing a four-month ban on Anwar and ordering him to pay â¹12.9 crore in compensation.
However, the situation shifted after the Delhi High Court intervened, instructing the AIFF to withdraw both the ban and compensation fee. Now that Anwar has received the NOC, it offers him temporary relief, although his future will be determined by a fresh verdict expected by the end of the month.
With the green light to play for East Bengal, the 24-year-old defender could be available for their upcoming ISL clash against Kerala Blasters on September 22. Anwar has already been training with the squad, so match fitness shouldn’t be an issue for head coach Carles Cuadrat.
Having lost their ISL opener to Bengaluru FC, East Bengal will be eager to utilize Anwar’s defensive prowess and aerial ability as soon as possible for their upcoming matches. His inclusion could provide a significant boost to the team’s defense.
