East Bengal Coach Faces Challenges Ahead of ISL Opener

East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat confirmed that key player Anwar Ali will miss their ISL opener against Bengaluru FC due to suspension. The club is appealing the ban, hoping for a stay order. Despite challenges, Cuadrat remains optimistic about the team's future, aiming for better performance than previous seasons.

East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat confirmed on Thursday that key player Anwar Ali will miss their ISL season opener against Bengaluru FC due to a suspension. Anwar, considered crucial for both India and East Bengal's defense, was handed a four-month ban by the AIFF's Players' Status Committee for a wrongful contract termination with Mohun Bagan.

The club has taken the case to the Appeals Committee, hoping for a stay order that would allow Anwar to participate in upcoming matches. ‘We know he is going to be an important player for the club, but we understand the situation is not in our hands,’ Cuadrat said in a media interaction before departing for Bengaluru.

East Bengal has also been hit with a significant financial penalty alongside sporting sanctions, further complicating their team-building efforts. Despite these hurdles, Cuadrat remains optimistic and sees the new season as an opportunity to build a strong foundation for the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)