East Bengal’s crucial Indian Super League (ISL) opener against Bengaluru FC on September 14 will be without their star defender Anwar Ali. The match, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, will see East Bengal face a significant challenge in Ali’s absence.
Ali, a key player for both East Bengal and the Indian national team, is sidelined due to a four-month ban imposed by the AIFF’s Players’ Status Committee. This suspension stems from his termination of a contract with Mohun Bagan under contentious circumstances.
In response, East Bengal has appealed to the AIFF Appeals Committee, seeking a stay on Ali’s suspension to allow his participation in the ISL 2024. Despite these efforts, Ali’s availability for the season opener remains uncertain.
‘We know Anwar is a crucial part of our team’ – Carles Cuadrat
East Bengal Head Coach Carles Cuadrat acknowledged the impact of Ali’s absence, emphasizing his importance to the squad. Cuadrat has been working on alternative strategies with the remaining players and expressed confidence in their preparation.
“We know Anwar is a crucial part of our team, but we must adapt to the situation,” Cuadrat said. “We have to move forward with the players available and plan accordingly. Anwar is training well, and we hope to integrate him back soon.”
Cuadrat also highlighted the club’s efforts to maintain stability by retaining the coaching staff for the new season, a first since Trevor Morgan’s tenure in 2015-16. The continuity aims to build a strong, future-focused squad.
East Bengal and Anwar Ali are also required to pay a substantial compensation of Rs 12.9 crore to Mohun Bagan, adding to the challenges the team faces ahead of the new season.
