Hearts of Oak close to lifting FIFA transfer ban after settling Hiddink debt
Hearts of Oak have moved closer to having their FIFA transfer ban lifted after settling outstanding salaries and fines owed to former coach Rene Hiddink.
Hiddink confirmed that he received the payment by bank transfer on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, according to Original FM.
The development is expected to allow the Ghanaian club to begin the process of having the ban lifted, giving them the opportunity to register new players ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Hearts of Oak were sanctioned by FIFA following a dispute with Hiddink over unpaid salaries. The former coach had taken the matter to the football governing body, resulting in a ban that prevented the club from registering new signings.
The restriction has complicated Hearts of Oak’s preparations for the new campaign, with the club unable to complete the registration of players despite being active in the transfer market.
Management has been working to resolve the dispute, with settling the outstanding debt seen as a key step towards removing the restriction.
With the payment now confirmed, Hearts of Oak are expected to provide FIFA with the necessary documentation to demonstrate that the financial obligation has been settled.
The ban will only be considered lifted once FIFA completes the relevant process. Until then, the club remains unable to officially register new players.
If the restriction is removed, Hearts of Oak will be free to complete several deals reportedly close to completion and strengthen their squad under new head coach Nebojsa Kapor.
For the Phobians, resolving the dispute could provide a timely boost as they prepare for the start of the new season.
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