Accra Hearts of Oak football club has been hit with a transfer ban by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), a consequence of the club’s failure to pay a $70,000 debt to New Edubiase United FC. The ban, which is in line with Article 15(1)(c) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, was enforced after Hearts of Oak missed the final deadline of May 31, 2025.
The club’s debt originated from a ruling by the GFA Players’ Status Committee. The committee ordered Hearts of Oak to pay $50,000 to New Edubiase as an outstanding balance for the transfer of Salim Adams, and an additional $20,000, which represents 40% of an onward transfer fee.
The two clubs had met in March to find a peaceful resolution to the issue. Despite this, Hearts of Oak failed to meet the agreed terms, according to New Edubiase United. At the meeting, it is understood that Hearts of Oak asked for the debt to be written off due to a failed transfer deal involving Salim Adams.
Hearts of Oak had hoped to make around a million dollars from Adams’ transfer to FC Cicinnati. However, the player did not make the cut and returned to Ghana. Before Adams left, Hearts of Oak had agreed to pay New Edubiase United $120,000 for the player’s permanent transfer, but only $50,000 was paid.
Sources reveal that Hearts of Oak reached out to Edubiase about a week ago to inform them that a cheque of $20,000 was ready. However, the offer was declined.
The GFA Disciplinary Committee, in a ruling issued on May 8, 2025, fined Hearts of Oak GH¢5,000 and gave the club until the end of May to make full payment. Failure to do so would lead to sanctions, including a transfer ban.
On June 13, 2025, New Edubiase United formally wrote to the General Secretary of the GFA, confirming Hearts of Oak’s continued failure to pay. The club’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Ackumey, noted in the letter that the sanction under Article 15(1)(c) had been automatically triggered due to the club’s persistent default.
As per the GFA’s disciplinary regulations, the transfer ban prevents Hearts of Oak from registering new players, both domestically and internationally, until the full amount is paid. The regulation also provides for additional sanctions such as points deduction or relegation in the event of continued non-compliance.
