Accra Hearts of Oak have been hit with a transfer ban by FIFA after failing to settle an outstanding debt owed to their former Dutch coach, Rene Hiddink.
The sanction, announced on August 21, 2025, prohibits the Ghanaian giants from registering new players both locally and internationally until the debt is cleared. FIFA’s ruling warned that if the Phobians do not comply, the ban could stretch across three full registration periods, severely hampering the club’s ability to reinforce their squad.
“Accra Hearts of Oak is hereby banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, until the due amounts are paid to Mr. Rene Hiddink. The ban shall be lifted immediately upon settlement of the debt,” FIFA stated.
The ruling has placed immense pressure on the club’s management to resolve the financial dispute swiftly. Failure to do so could leave the Phobians at a competitive disadvantage in the Ghana Premier League and continental competitions, where squad depth is crucial.
The development has sparked frustration among fans, many of whom fear that the ban could derail the club’s ambitions both domestically and abroad if not addressed quickly.