FIFA has taken punitive measures against Hearts of Oak, instituting a transfer embargo due to the club’s failure to settle an outstanding debt of $14,002 owed to their former coach, Slavko Matic.
The global soccer governing body has also directed the Ghana Football Association to enforce this decision at the national level.
The dispute originates from events in March 2023, when Serbian coach Slavko Matic was unexpectedly terminated from his position. His dismissal occurred amid a tumultuous situation, with angry fans confronting him during a training session.
In response, Matic filed a formal complaint with the Ghana Police, expressing concerns for his safety.
Given the escalating tension, Hearts of Oak expressed their inability to guarantee the coach’s security.
Following these developments, Matic escalated the matter to FIFA, which reached a verdict in July of the same year.
FIFA ruled in favour of Matic, instructing Hearts of Oak to compensate their former coach with the sum of $14,002 for the contract breach.
However, Hearts of Oak has yet to adhere to FIFA’s directive, prompting the international organisation to impose the transfer ban.
This ban, which is already in effect, prohibits the club from registering new players until they fulfil their financial obligations to Matic.