FIFA Imposes Ban on Hearts of Oak Over Unpaid Debt to Former Technical Director Rene Hiddink
- Ghana Premier League heavyweights Accra Hearts of Oak have been hit with a ban over outstanding debt owed to their former Technical Director
- The Phobians, already weighed down by legal troubles after facing similar disputes with two ex-players, find themselves in yet another storm
- They will, however, look to shift focus and ease the off-field turmoil by targeting glory in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4
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Hearts of Oak have been dealt a major blow after FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club for failing to settle a debt owed to their former Technical Director, Rene Hiddink.
A letter from FIFA’s Legal and Compliance Division, dated August 21, 2025, confirmed the sanction, which takes immediate effect.
Source: Twitter
FIFA sanctions Hearts of Oak over unpaid debt
The Rainbow Club had previously been ordered, under ruling reference FPSD-17518, to pay Hiddink 150,000 US dollars within 90 days.
Their failure to comply has now forced the world football governing body to step in with disciplinary measures.
The punishment prevents Hearts from registering new players, both at home and abroad, for the next three transfer windows.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also been tasked to enforce the ruling locally.
This development is a huge setback for the Phobians, who have been working to rebuild their squad after a string of disappointing campaigns since their league triumph in the 2020/21 season.
Hearts to face another legal tussle as Hiddink’s lawyer issues threat
The Dutch coach was appointed in July 2023 but left the club just eight months later.
Following his dismissal, he lodged a complaint with FIFA, which ordered Hearts to pay the settlement.
Speaking to Kumasi-based radio station Oyerepa FM, Hiddink’s lawyer, David Winnie, accused Hearts of underhand tactics.
"Hearts of Oak acted dishonestly and sneakily. They knew the FIFA ban was coming, so they rushed player registrations. I will petition FIFA to dissolve the club," he said.
This is not the first time Hearts have found themselves in legal and financial hot water.
Source: Twitter
Earlier this year, the Phobians were forced to pay GHS 106,000 to former player Francis Adjetey, following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
They also faced another case involving a 38,000 USD debt owed to New Edubiase United over the transfer of midfielder Salim Adams.
Hearts of Oak's preseason clouded by crisis
Ironically, the ban comes at a time when Hearts of Oak appear to be finding their feet on the pitch.
The club recently lifted the Gbese Mantse Homowo Cup after defeating Heart of Lions.
They followed that with another win over the same side in the GHALCA Top 4 competition.
The Phobians are scheduled to play Bibiani Gold Stars on Friday, August 22, per Besoccer, before locking horns with rivals Asante Kotoko in their final preseason game on Sunday, August 24.
Yet, despite the encouraging results on the field, the cloud of FIFA’s sanction hangs heavy over the club’s preparations.
Unless the debt is settled, Hearts risk facing deeper legal and competitive challenges that could derail their ambitions for the coming season.
Hearts take legal action against journalist
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Hearts of Oak had taken legal action against a Kumasi-based sports journalist and his media outlet.
The Ghanaian giants are demanding significant damages over comments they believe were false and defamatory.
Source: YEN.com.gh
