Anwar Ali recently made headlines with his high-profile and controversial move from Mohun Bagan to East Bengal. The transfer, which occurred on July 10, 2024, was marked by a unilateral termination of Ali’s four-year loan agreement with Mohun Bagan, just one year into the contract.
The decision led to legal scrutiny, with the Players’ Status Committee (PSC) deeming the termination unjust, but ultimately granting Ali a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to complete his transfer.
Anwar Ali’s abrupt exit from Mohun Bagan to sign with East Bengal sparked significant controversy, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his contract termination. On July 9, 2024, Ali terminated his loan agreement with Mohun Bagan, citing undisclosed reasons. The following day, he signed a transfer agreement with East Bengal, raising questions about the legitimacy of his departure and the timing of the move.
In response, the Players’ Status Committee intervened, declaring Ali’s contract termination with Mohun Bagan unjust. Despite this ruling, the PSC granted Ali an NOC on August 10, 2024, allowing him to officially join East Bengal on August 12, 2024. However, the case remains unresolved, with the PSC scheduling a final hearing for August 22, 2024, to determine the full legal implications and issue a conclusive order.
Beyond the legal drama, the financial aspects of Anwar Ali’s transfer have drawn significant attention, especially as details of his new contract with East Bengal have emerged. According to Khel Now, Ali has signed a five-year deal with East Bengal, worth a staggering Rs 24 crores. This figure includes an Rs 8.5 crores loyalty bonus, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in Indian football history.
The contract’s payment structure, outlined in Schedule 1 of the agreement, is as follows:
- Initial Payment (2024-2027): East Bengal will pay Ali Rs 7.50 crores in equal monthly instalments from August 31, 2024, to May 31, 2027.
- Subsequent Payment (2027-2029): Ali will receive Rs 8 crores in equal instalments from June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2029.
- Loyalty Bonuses:
– Anwar Ali will earn Rs 4 crores as a loyalty bonus at the end of the 2027-28 Indian football season.
– He will receive an additional Rs 4.5 crores as a loyalty bonus at the end of the 2028-29 season.
These payments reflect an effort by East Bengal to minimize the apparent salary for compensation purposes, as the significant loyalty bonuses are highly unusual in Indian football. A legal expert familiar with contracts in the sport noted that the structure seems strategically designed to navigate financial regulations while still providing substantial compensation to the player.
By the end of his five-year contract, Anwar Ali will become the highest-paid footballer in India, with an average annual income of Rs 4.8 crores. This record-breaking deal shows East Bengal’s ambition to strengthen their squad and achieve glory in the coming seasons. The club’s fans will undoubtedly hope that the substantial Rs 26.5 crores investment in Ali translates to on-field success, particularly in solidifying their defense.
However, the final outcome of this transfer saga hinges on the PSC’s ruling. If the committee issues sanctions or penalties against Ali or East Bengal, it could impact the player’s availability or the club’s financial standing. Until then, Ali’s focus will likely remain split between resolving the ongoing legal matters and preparing for his new role at East Bengal.
