Hearts of Oak react to FIFA’s three-transfer window ban

Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak have expressed their commitment to engaging all stakeholders in a bid to overturn the transfer ban imposed on them by FIFA.

The Phobians were handed a three-window transfer ban after failing to settle a $150,000 compensation owed to former Technical Director Rene Hiddink following the unlawful termination of his contract.

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Hiddink, who signed a three-year deal with the club in 2023, departed after just eight months, prompting him to seek redress from FIFA.

The world governing body has directed Hearts to settle their debt within 30 days. However, the club failed to meet this deadline, resulting in sanctions being enforced both nationally and internationally. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since been instructed to ensure that compliance occurs.

Before the sanction took effect on August 21, the 2000 CAF Champions League winners had already completed the registration of five new players.

In a swift response, the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup finalists released a statement confirming the ban but assured supporters of active engagements to resolve the matter.

“FIFA has confirmed the implementation of a registration ban on the club due to unresolved financial obligations. We acknowledge the seriousness of this development and wish to assure our supporters that Management and Board are actively engaging all relevant parties, including the Ghana Football Association and FIFA, to resolve the matter swiftly and responsibly.

“Importantly, we wish to clarify that our current player registrations had been completed prior to the enforcement of this ban. Therefore, there will be no immediate disruption to our squad or competitive commitments. We understand the concerns this may raise, and we appeal to our Phobian family to remain calm and united.

“The club’s leadership is fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the long-term stability of Hearts of Oak. Discussions are ongoing, and we are confident that a constructive resolution will be reached,” the statement read in part.

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