Lawyer David Winnie, who represented former Hearts of Oak Technical Director Rene Hiddink, has explained the circumstances that led to the club’s recent loss in a FIFA ruling.
Speaking with ghanasportspage.com, Winnie revealed that Hiddink, who was appointed in June 2024 on a three-year deal, was abruptly dismissed after just eight months without any explanation from the club.
“They didn’t give any explanation at all just called him into a meeting and told him that his job was terminated,” Winnie said.
Given the international nature of the contract, Winnie filed a claim with FIFA’s Football Tribunal in Miami, although he admitted the case carried some risk because technical director dismissals rarely succeed at FIFA.
“I had to prove not only that the case could be heard by FIFA but also that, in addition to being a technical director, he was performing coaching duties — even though this wasn’t explicitly stated in the contract,” he explained.
FIFA ruled in Hiddink’s favor, ordering Hearts of Oak to pay him the full remainder of his three-year contract.
While Winnie declined to reveal the exact amount, he confirmed it was a six-figure sum.
“FIFA agreed with me on both points. They came back quickly and ruled that he had won his case. Accra Hearts of Oak must pay all outstanding wages for the three years,” he confirmed.
The ruling serves as a strong reminder of contractual obligations in football, particularly involving international hires.
Listen to what Layer David Winnie said during an interview with China-based Ghanaian Journalist, Martin Tawiah below:
