The long-running transfer dispute involving Indian international defender Anwar Ali, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal has taken another significant turn, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) suspending its proceedings for five months and directing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to complete its domestic adjudication within the stipulated period.

A three-member CAS panel issued the order on Tuesday, November 3, giving the AIFF’s Players’ Status Committee (PSC) and/or Appeals Committee an opportunity to deliver a decision along with the relevant grounds.

The latest development means that the dispute, which began in 2024, will continue without an immediate final verdict from the international sports tribunal.

CAS Statement On Anwar Ali Case

“The panel concludes that the proceedings before CAS will be suspended for a period of five months following the issuance of this order,” a statement from CAS said.

The panel’s direction further allows the AIFF Players’ Status Committee and/or Appeals Committee to deliver their decisions expeditiously, with the relevant grounds communicated to the parties involved.

CAS has also left the door open for Mohun Bagan to return to the tribunal if the club remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the domestic proceedings or if a final adjudication is not delivered within the stipulated five-month period.

A senior Mohun Bagan official, speaking to TOI, indicated that CAS had recognised, on a prima facie basis, its jurisdiction to hear the appeal while acknowledging concerns surrounding the prolonged domestic proceedings.

The official also stated that if the AIFF fails to deliver a final decision within the deadline, CAS would resume proceedings and adjudicate the entire dispute afresh, including the merits of Mohun Bagan’s compensation claims.

How The Anwar Ali Transfer Dispute Started

The controversy dates back to July 2024, when Anwar Ali terminated his loan agreement with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and returned to his parent club, Delhi FC, before completing a move to East Bengal. The defender had originally joined Mohun Bagan on a four-year loan agreement signed on January 12, 2023, which was scheduled to run until May 31, 2027.

Mohun Bagan challenged his departure, alleging that the player had terminated the agreement without just cause during the protected period. The club also raised concerns over alleged inducement involving East Bengal and Delhi FC.

In September 2024, the AIFF Players’ Status Committee initially found Anwar Ali, East Bengal and Delhi FC guilty in the matter. The committee imposed a four-month suspension on the defender and two consecutive transfer-window bans on East Bengal and Delhi FC.

Additionally, Anwar Ali, East Bengal and Delhi FC were directed to jointly pay Mohun Bagan compensation of Rs 12.9 crore.

However, the decision was subsequently challenged before the Delhi High Court. The court intervened over procedural concerns, and the initial ruling was withdrawn, with directions for a fresh hearing and a reasoned decision.

Anwar Ali gets Injured

As the saga continues off the field, Anwar Ali suffered an on-field injury in East Bengal’s AFC Champions League Two match against Al Seeb. The India defender went off after a hamstring injury in the first half and is likely to spend some time on the sidelines. He may miss the Chennaiyin FC match and then may well miss the subsequent India matches against New Zealand.