Indian international footballer Anwar Ali’s high-profile move to East Bengal has made waves in the Indian football community.
After terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan, Ali secured a five-year deal with East Bengal worth Rs 24 crores, making him one of the highest-paid players in Indian football history. This transfer saga, involving legal disputes and a substantial financial package, has set a new benchmark in the Indian football landscape.
A Controversial Move: Anwar Ali’s Transfer to East Bengal
Anwar Ali’s transition from Mohun Bagan to East Bengal was far from smooth. On July 9, 2024, Ali unilaterally terminated his four-year loan agreement with Mohun Bagan, just a year after its inception. The very next day, he signed a transfer agreement with East Bengal, leaving Mohun Bagan fans and management stunned. The Players’ Status Committee (PSC) deemed the termination of Ali’s contract unjust, sparking a legal debate.
Despite this, the PSC granted Ali a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on August 10, 2024, allowing his transfer from Delhi FC to East Bengal, which was finalized on August 12, 2024. The PSC is set to reconvene on August 22 to issue a final verdict on the matter, but for now, Ali is officially an East Bengal player.
The Financial Breakdown: Anwar Ali’s Lucrative Contract
Anwar Ali’s contract with East Bengal is nothing short of groundbreaking in Indian football. The club agreed to pay a Rs 2.5 crores transfer fee to Delhi FC, securing Ali’s services for the next five years. While there has been much speculation about the financial details, sources close to the deal have confirmed that Ali will earn a total of Rs 24 crores over the duration of his contract.
The payment structure, as outlined in Schedule 1 of the agreement, is divided into several phases. From August 31, 2024, to May 31, 2027, East Bengal will pay Ali Rs 7.50 crores in equal monthly installments. This will be followed by a further Rs 8 crores paid in equal installments from June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2029. In addition to these payments, Ali will receive significant loyalty bonuses: Rs 4 crores at the end of the 2027-28 Indian football season and Rs 4.5 crores at the conclusion of the 2028-29 season. This structured approach to compensation, featuring substantial loyalty bonuses, is unusual in Indian football and appears designed to optimize the financial arrangement for both parties.
Legal and Financial Implications: A New Era for Indian Football Contracts
Anwar Ali’s contract with East Bengal is not only significant due to its monetary value but also because it introduces a new model for footballer compensation in India. The inclusion of substantial loyalty bonuses, totaling Rs 8.5 crores, suggests a strategic move by East Bengal to minimize the apparent salary for compensation purposes. A legal expert familiar with Indian football contracts remarked that this structure is relatively unprecedented in the domestic league, indicating a shift in how clubs and players might negotiate future deals.
By the end of his five-year tenure with East Bengal, Ali is expected to become the highest-paid footballer in India, with an average annual income of Rs 4.8 crores. This financial commitment by East Bengal, totaling Rs 26.5 crores, reflects the club’s confidence in Ali’s ability to anchor their defense and lead them to success in the coming seasons.
Looking Ahead: Expectations and Challenges for Anwar Ali at East Bengal
With the legal matters surrounding his transfer still pending a final resolution, Anwar Ali’s immediate focus will be on justifying East Bengal’s considerable investment in him. The club’s supporters will be hoping that Ali can bring much-needed stability to the defense and help East Bengal reclaim their status as one of India’s premier football clubs.
His performance on the pitch will be closely scrutinized, as both fans and management expect him to lead the team to glory.
Anwar Ali’s journey with East Bengal marks a new chapter in Indian football, one where player contracts and compensation are reaching unprecedented levels. As the legal dust settles, all eyes will be on Ali to see if he can live up to the expectations and deliver for his new club.
FAQ
How old is Anwar Ali?
Anwar Ali’s age is 23 years old.
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Source:- KhelNow
