Ghanaian football giants Accra Hearts of Oak have been slapped with a transfer ban by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for their failure to pay an outstanding $70,000 owed to New Edubiase United FC. The ban stems from the transfer of player Abdul Salim Adams and was triggered after Hearts of Oak missed the payment deadline of May 31, 2025.
The sanction is in accordance with Article 15(1)(c) of the GFA Disciplinary Code. Hearts of Oak had previously acknowledged the debt and engaged in discussions with New Edubiase United in March 2025 to find an amicable resolution. However, the club ultimately failed to meet the agreed-upon terms, leading to New Edubiase United’s insistence on receiving the full outstanding amount.
According to a JoySports report from June 22, 2025, Hearts of Oak had, in the March meeting, requested New Edubiase to waive the debt. The “Phobians” had reportedly anticipated earning around a million dollars from Salim Adams’ potential transfer to FC Cincinnati in the USA, but the move did not materialize, and the player returned to Ghana.
Prior to Adams’ overseas loan, Hearts of Oak had initially agreed to pay New Edubiase United $120,000 for his permanent signing but had only settled $50,000. Although New Edubiase United had reportedly shown willingness to waive the remaining debt during the March meeting due to the failed onward transfer, they later re-instated their demand for the full $70,000 when Hearts of Oak allegedly failed to fulfill their part of the revised agreement.
The GFA Disciplinary Committee had ruled on May 8, 2025, that Hearts of Oak must pay the outstanding amount by the end of May or face sanctions, including a transfer ban. The club was also fined GH¢5,000. When the payment was not made by the stipulated deadline, the transfer ban was automatically imposed.
On June 13, 2025, New Edubiase United formally notified the General Secretary of the GFA, confirming Hearts of Oak’s continued default beyond the deadline. Alex Ackumey, the club’s Chief Executive Officer, referenced Decision No. 4 of the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling in his letter, noting that the sanction under Article 15(1)(c) had become automatically applicable due to the persistent non-compliance.
This regulation also carries provisions for additional severe sanctions, such as points deduction or even relegation, should there be continued non-compliance by the club. The ban significantly impacts Hearts of Oak’s ability to register new players, both domestically and internationally, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
