FIFA Crackdown: Hearts of Oak Blocked from Registering New Players

By Emmanuel Austin Baah Last updated Aug 22, 2025

Accra Hearts of Oak have been dealt a heavy blow after FIFA imposed a three-window transfer ban on the club for failing to settle an outstanding debt of $150,000 owed to former Technical Director, Rene Hiddink.

The Ghanaian giants ignored a deadline set by FIFA to clear the arrears, triggering the sanction which prevents the Phobians from registering any new players until the debt is fully paid.

The decision has cast a shadow over the club’s administration, raising questions about the financial management and leadership at one of Ghana’s most storied football institutions. Many supporters have expressed frustration that poor handling of contractual obligations has once again dragged the club into international disgrace.

FIFA has emphasised that the move is part of its continued drive to enforce financial responsibility and protect professionals within the game.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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