Hearts of Oak reports Siwelele FC to FIFA over alleged player inducement

Accra Hearts of Oak has escalated its dispute with South Africa’s Siwelele Football Club to FIFA, accusing the side of unlawfully approaching striker Hamza Issah despite his active contract with the Ghanaian giants.

In a statement released Wednesday, Hearts said it was “alarmed by the conduct” of Siwelele, claiming the club engaged Issah directly, issued an invitation, and facilitated travel arrangements without notifying or seeking consent from Hearts. The club described the move as “player inducement and unlawful interference with a subsisting contractual relationship, in clear violation of FIFA Regulations.”

Reports have circulated about Issah’s imminent move to South Africa, but Hearts insists the player remains under contract. “As of today, no competent judicial, regulatory or arbitral body, including the Ghana Football Association’s Player Status Committee or FIFA, has issued any ruling or confirmation that the said contract has been lawfully terminated,” the statement noted.

Issah’s representatives had previously threatened to terminate his contract in December, alleging unpaid wages for three months. Hearts has not admitted to persistent breaches but acknowledged ongoing talks with the player and his camp to resolve “outstanding concerns.” The club stressed it has acted in good faith and has not defaulted in a way that would justify unilateral termination under FIFA rules.

Hamza Issah has been a key figure for Hearts this season, scoring four goals in 20 league matches. His potential departure would be a blow to the squad, but the dispute now hinges on FIFA’s interpretation of contractual obligations and whether Siwelele’s approach constitutes a breach of international transfer regulations.

The case highlights the growing tension between African clubs over player transfers and contractual enforcement. For Hearts, the complaint is not only about protecting Issah but also about defending the integrity of contracts in Ghanaian football. For FIFA, it presents another test of its rules on player inducement and safeguarding clubs from unauthorized approaches.