Delhi High Court Overturns AIFF Fine On Footballer And Clubs

The Delhi High Court has invalidated a ₹12.9 crore fine imposed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on footballer Anwar Ali, Emami East Bengal Football Club (EBFC), and Delhi FC. This fine was for an alleged breach of a player loan agreement. Justice Sanjeev Narula ruled that the AIFF’s decision lacked detailed reasoning, which violated principles of natural justice.

Court Criticizes AIFF’s Decision-Making Process

Justice Narula criticized the AIFF Players Status Committee (PSC) for issuing a decision without detailed reasons. He stated that a fair hearing involves not only the opportunity to present one’s case but also the right to understand the reasons behind any adverse decision. The court found that the AIFF’s practice of not providing comprehensive reasoning breached natural justice principles.

Details of the Dispute

The dispute involved a loan agreement between Delhi FC, Anwar Ali’s parent club, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG). Under the agreement, Ali was loaned to MBSG for four years. However, Ali terminated the contract on July 8, 2024, and returned to Delhi FC. He subsequently transferred to EBFC on July 10, 2024.

Following the transfer, MBSG filed a complaint with the AIFF PSC. The PSC’s decision required Ali, Delhi FC, and EBFC to pay ₹12.9 crore in compensation to MBSG. Additionally, Ali received a four-month ban from matches, while Delhi FC and EBFC were barred from registering new players for two transfer windows.

Delhi FC, EBFC, and Anwar Ali challenged this decision in the Delhi High Court. They argued that the PSC’s order lacked detailed reasoning, which made it difficult to understand and contest the sanctions imposed. The court agreed, ruling that the omission of detailed reasons violated principles of natural justice.

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