Delhi HC sets aside AIFF order penalising footballer Anwar Ali, directs fresh hearing [Read Order]

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has set aside a decision by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that imposed heavy penalties on footballer Anwar Ali and two football clubs for allegedly violating a player loan agreement.

Justice Sanjeev Narula heard petitions filed by Anwar Ali, Delhi Football Club, and Emami East Bengal FC, challenging an order passed by the AIFF Players’ Status Committee on September 10, 2024.

The court noted that the AIFF committee failed to provide detailed reasons for its decision, which imposed a ₹12.9 crore penalty and other sanctions. Justice Narula observed, “The practice adopted by the AIFF PSC of issuing a decision without providing detailed reasons is fundamentally violative of the principles of natural justice.”

Highlighting the importance of reasoned orders, the court stated, “The right to a fair hearing encompasses not only the opportunity to be heard but also the right to know the reasons for any adverse decision. 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.”

In conclusion, the court directed the AIFF to withdraw the impugned order, conduct a fresh hearing by providing an opportunity to all parties, and render a new decision with detailed reasons, in accordance with the law.

 [Read Order]