Anwar Ali, born to a laborer father and farm worker mother, dreamed of becoming a footballer. However, he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition called apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Despite this, Anwar wanted to play football. When the All India Football Federation (AIFF) didn’t allow him to play, Anwar went to court claiming his ‘right to play’. He won the case against AIFF in the Delhi High Court.
Transfer Drama and Legal Issues
In July 2024, Anwar ended his four-year deal with Mohun Bagan after just one year and joined East Bengal the next day. The Players’ Status Committee (PSC) said this contract ending was unfair. Still, they gave Anwar a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on August 12, allowing him to move from Delhi FC to East Bengal.
Record-Breaking Deal with East Bengal
Anwar Ali signed a five-year deal with East Bengal on August 12. He will pay Rs 2.5 crore to Delhi FC as a transfer fee. According to a source, Anwar will get Rs 24 crore from East Bengal over five years. This includes a Rs 8.5 crore loyalty bonus. He will receive Rs 4 crore at the end of 2027-28 and Rs 4.5 crore after the 2028-29 season as part of this bonus.
A legal expert said this payment plan might be trying to show a lower salary for compensation reasons, as such big loyalty bonuses are not common in Indian football.
By the end of his contract, Anwar Ali will become India’s highest-paid footballer, earning about Rs 4.8 crore per year on average.
East Bengal is spending Rs 26.5 crore on Anwar Ali. The team’s fans hope he will make their defense stronger. This deal marks a significant moment in Indian football, showcasing both Anwar’s determination to play despite health challenges and the growing financial investments in the sport.
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