David Winnie, the lawyer representing former Hearts of Oak technical director Rene Hiddink, has labelled the club’s conduct in the FIFA dispute as “disgraceful.”
Winnie, who successfully led Hiddink’s case against the Ghanaian club at FIFA, criticized Hearts of Oak’s handling of the matter, saying the club ignored communications and only took action when FIFA became involved.
“They were less than honest with Rene. They failed to respond to any of my emails or, when they did, they were again less than honest. It was only when we went to FIFA, after Rene had spent a lot on legal fees, that they finally responded — because they knew they couldn’t ignore FIFA,” Winnie told ghanasportspage.
“If it had just been me or Rene sending them emails, they would have kept ignoring us. Their behaviour in all of this has been disgraceful,” Winnie added.
According to him, Hearts of Oak have until Friday, August 8, 2025, to settle the full compensation awarded to Hiddink.
“They have 45 days in which to pay it I think that’s I think it’s August the 8th or 9th that they have until I’ll tell you right now they yeah they have until Friday 8th of August in which to pay the money.”
Winnie confirmed that the fine is a six-figure sum covering the remainder of Hiddink’s three-year contract, which was terminated without cause after just eight months.
Reports reaching Ghanasportspage indicate that Hearts of Oak have been charged to pay $150,000 to the expatriate.
Listen to what Lawyer David Winnie said when speaking to Sir Martin on Ghanasportspage.com below:
