FIFA has imposed an international and domestic transfer ban on Accra Hearts of Oak for failing to pay former technical director Rene Hiddink an outstanding amount as ordered by the world football governing body.
In a letter dated 21 August 2025 and addressed to the Ghanaian club via the FIFA Legal Portal, FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary, Américo Espallargas, confirmed that the ban will remain in effect until the full amount due is paid.“A ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented by FIFA on the Respondent.
The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,” the statement read.
The letter, referenced FDD-25097, also urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to enforce the ban at the national level, preventing Hearts of Oak from registering any new players in domestic competitions.
The sanction stems from the club’s failure to comply with a previous FIFA ruling (Ref. FPSD-17518) ordering Hearts to pay USD $146,400 in compensation to Rene Hiddink.
With the ban now in place, Hearts of Oak faces a significant setback ahead of the 2025/26 season, as they will be unable to strengthen their squad until the debt is cleared.
Below is the letter from FIFA to Hearts of Oak and GFA:
