Accra Hearts of Oak SC have escalated their dispute over midfielder Hamza Issah by filing a formal complaint with FIFA against South African side Siwele Football Club.

‎In a strongly worded statement, the Ghanaian club accused Siwele of engaging the player and facilitating travel arrangements without their knowledge or consent, despite what Hearts insist is an active and legally binding contract.

The Accra-based club described the alleged actions as “player inducement and unlawful interference” with a subsisting contractual relationship, conduct they say is in clear violation of FIFA regulations governing transfers and contractual stability.

‎Hearts said they have submitted formal complaints not only to FIFA but also to other relevant football authorities, and are actively pursuing legal and regulatory remedies to safeguard what they call the “sanctity of contractual relationships in football”.

The dispute centres on Issah’s contractual status, with Hearts maintaining that no judicial or regulatory body, including the Ghana Football Association has ruled that the player’s deal has been terminated.

‎While the club has also criticised the alleged unauthorised disclosure of confidential correspondence by the player’s representatives, their most pointed remarks were reserved for Siwele’s reported involvement.

Cross-border disputes of this nature can lead to sanctions ranging from fines to transfer bans if wrongdoing is established, although FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

For Hearts, one of Ghana’s most decorated clubs, the case is being framed as more than a disagreement over a single player. In their statement, they emphasised a broader commitment to upholding regulatory compliance and contractual stability within the global game.

The matter now appears set to move into the hands of international football’s governing bodies, with potential ramifications beyond Ghana and South Africa.