Anwar Ali's Suspension Lifted, New Review Set for Saturday in Football

The Delhi High Court was informed on Friday that the Players Status Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to revoke the suspension order against India defender Anwar Ali. The lawyer representing AIFF informed Justice Sanjeev Narula that the committee will review the matter again on Saturday and issue a detailed order after hearing all parties involved. The court was addressing petitions filed by Ali, his current club East Bengal, and his parent club Delhi FC challenging the decision of the Players Status Committee. Anwar Ali was suspended for four months by AIFF on September 10 after being found guilty, with a requirement for him and the two clubs to pay a substantial compensation of Rs 12.90 crore to Mohun Bagan.

The Players Status Committee had also ruled that Anwar's parent club Delhi FC and East Bengal, with whom the defender had entered into a lucrative five-year deal, have been banned from registering players for two transfer windows -- 2024-25 winter and 2025-26 summer.

During the hearing, the court questioned the AIFF over the lack of reasons furnished by the committee to the aggrieved parties and asked the federation's lawyer to seek instructions of affording a fresh hearing to the parties.

"I am instructed to state that ... AIFF Players Status Committee will withdraw its order dated September 10. The committee will hear parties afresh tomorrow, on September 14," the counsel for AIFF informed the court subsequently.

"After hearing the matter, (committee) will pass a detailed order. In the meantime, status quo ante will prevail," the counsel said.

The court also clarified that the issue of any interim arrangement in the matter will be considered by the committee according to the rules.

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Mohun Bagan had challenged the player's move to East Bengal by filing a complaint with the AIFF's player status committee.

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The 23-year-old Ali had played a key role in Mohun Bagan's ISL Shield-winning campaign last season, with three goals and one assist in 26 games. PTI ADS ZMN