AIFF clarifies Anwar Ali's transfer to East Bengal 'not feasible'; and will remain a Mohun Bagan SG - Reports 

There's never a dull moment in the Indian football transfer market, but the last few hours have been whirlwind even for the seasoned fans. Anwar Ali has been considered a mainstay of the Mohun Bagan SG defense since joining the club last summer.

However, he reportedly unilaterally terminated his four-year loan deal with the Mariners and returned to his parent club Delhi FC. Afterward, he was courted by some of the ISL heavyweights before ultimately, he signed a staggering five-year deal with arch-rivals East Bengal. All within a day.

Why did the 23-year-old decide to terminate his loan deal? Well, his decision was based on a new regulatory framework approved by FIFA in March 2022, which states a player cannot be loaned for more than a year. Hence, the player along with the parent club decided to secure a permanent move.

However, once the reports of East Bengal acquiring his services emerged, questions were raised from all sections regarding the legality of the transfer. According to Revsportz, "Anwar Ali’s transfer to East Bengal is not feasible" concerning the latest FIFA loan transfer regulations.

"As per these rules and the way it will be applicable to India under the AIFF’s tutelage and implementation, if a player’s contract with their current club was signed before January 2024, which is the case with Anwar Ali and Mohun Bagan, the club holds the legal right to prevent the player’s transfer to another club without their explicit clearance," the AIFF top brass clarified to Revsportz.

Hence, for transfer to any other club, Anwar Ali will need approval from Mohun Bagan, and without it, the Mariners can take the required legal action to block any possible transfer. As of now, the prodigal center-back will continue to don the Green and Maroon jersey unless he and the club part ways on mutual terms.

No other club can sign him without Mohun Bagan’s approval, the report underlined.

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Anwar Ali asked to report to Mohun Bagan SG training next week

Meanwhile, highlighting their confidence in retaining Anwar Ali's services, Marcus Mergulhao of TOI reported Mohun Bagan SG have officially asked the defender to report for training on July 19.

However, it remains to be seen how the player responds to the instructions from the club, and if and when the case is taken to the Players' Status Committee (PRC).