FIFA has decided to contact the All India Football Federation regarding delays in resolving a transfer dispute involving defender Anwar Ali and Mohun Bagan. The Kolkata club escalated the issue after nearly 16 months of procedural stagnation. The global body acknowledged Mohun Bagan's complaint and plans to examine the matter.
The dispute centers on Anwar Ali's unilateral termination of his loan agreement with Mohun Bagan on July 8, 2024, followed by his move to East Bengal. Mohun Bagan challenged the termination as unjustified, leading the case to the AIFF's Player Status Committee (PSC). In its interim order on September 10, 2024, the PSC ruled the termination invalid, imposing a four-month suspension on Anwar Ali, transfer window bans on East Bengal and his parent club Delhi FC, and awarding Mohun Bagan compensation of Rs 12.9 crore.
Anwar Ali, East Bengal, and Delhi FC appealed to the Delhi High Court, which stayed the PSC's order and directed the AIFF appeals committee to conduct a fresh hearing. The committee listed the matter for December 23, 2024, but has since deferred it repeatedly for 11 months due to issues including a panel member's resignation, with no new date set.
Frustrated by the delays, Mohun Bagan approached FIFA on November 14, 2024, alleging 'procedural stagnation' and prejudice to their competitive and financial interests. In their complaint, the club stated: 'This prolonged delay has effectively denied MBSG timely justice and has caused the Club substantial sporting, financial, and regulatory prejudice.' They also sought permission to escalate to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if needed.
FIFA's judicial bodies secretariat responded on Sunday, confirming: '...we can confirm that we will contact your association in due course with regards to the relevant proceedings, as necessary.' Despite the ongoing case, Anwar Ali has continued to feature for both club and country over the past 16 months.
Mohun Bagan, the reigning Indian Super League champions, hope FIFA's intervention will prompt the AIFF to restart proceedings or provide a resolution timeline.