Anwar Ali has been given an ‘interim’ No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Players Status Committee (PSC) to play for East Bengal. 

The defender is now expected to take part in East Bengal’s next match in the ISL. 

The Delhi High Court set aside the previous orders of PSC since ‘the failure to communicate the grounds along with the decision deprives the affected parties of the ability to understand the basis of the decision and effectively challenge it. 

The PSC heard the parties again and its fresh order has stated, ‘Whilst Mohun Bagan Super Giant have argued that the Player ought not to be granted any interim relief at this stage, such a scenario would leave the Player in limbo and, as a result, unable to play with the club he desires. Considering that Player is a young talent of 23 years of age and the fact that rejection of permission to play or consigning the Player only to be reintegrated with Delhi FC would be detrimental to not only the Player's prospects but also his livelihood and financial condition, the Committee in the peculiarity of the facts and circumstances is inclined to permit the Player to be registered with East Bengal FC in accordance with AIFF Regulations on Status and Transfer of Players under Article 9.5.’

The PSC verdict released on 19th September has also mentioned, ‘At the cost of repetition, it is clarified that the Committee has not expressed any opinion on the merits or grounds of termination by the Player nor will the grant of this interim order cause any prejudice to the rights and contentions of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. It is further clarified that this order is being passed only in relation to determine the Player’s status as a preliminary view. The final determination and consequences, if any of the termination, are still pending consideration. The present order is being passed in emergent circumstances.'

Simultaneously, PSC in its fresh order has maintained its previous order of imposing the fine against East Bengal and Delhi FC which was demanded by Mohun Bagan Super Giants in its appeal. 

But both East Bengal and Delhi FC will be eligible to appeal to the AIFF’s appeal committee to reduce the amount of compensation and that will be submitted by 29th September. 

The PSC is going to have its next discussion on 30th September.