Hearts of Oak vow to resolve FIFA Ban
Ghana Premier League giants, Hearts of Oak have indicated their intention of engaging all parties to help resolve the ban imposed on them by FIFA.
Hearts of Oak have been slapped with a three-transfer window ban after failing to comply with FIFA’s directive of settling former Technical Director, Rene Hiddink.
The 2000 CAF Champions League winners owed the Dutchman to the tune of $150,000 dollars over the unlawful termination of his contract.
Hiddink signed a three-year deal with Hearts of Oak in 2023 but will leave the club after just eight months into his deal, prompting the 70-year-old to seek redress at FIFA.
The Phobians had been directed to settle the debt in 30-days but have now defaulted resulting in the ban nationally and internationally. Until they settle the said amount of money, they will not be able to register new players for the upcoming season.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been instructed to enforce the ban at the national level. The 2001 CAF Cup winners have already signed five players before FIFA’s sanction on August 21.
However, in a swift response, the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup winners have released a press to address the issue –stating that: “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 the 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.” A portion of the press release read.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Dominic Owusu Ansah
