Hearts of Oak Report Siwelele FC to FIFA Over Alleged Hamza Issah Inducement
Accra Hearts of Oak have escalated their dispute involving midfielder Hamza Issah by lodging a formal complaint with FIFA against South African side Siwelele Football Club, accusing them of improper conduct in their pursuit of the player.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Phobians said they were “alarmed by the conduct of Siwelele Football Club of South Africa,” alleging that the club engaged Issah and facilitated his travel without seeking their consent despite an existing contract.
“This constitutes player inducement and unlawful interference with a subsisting contractual relationship, in clear violation of FIFA Regulations,” the club stated.
The complaint comes amid growing speculation that Issah is on the verge of completing a move to the South African outfit. However, Hearts of Oak have reiterated that the midfielder remains under a valid contract and that no authoritative body has ruled otherwise.
“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 club insisted.
The situation dates back to December, when Issah’s representatives reportedly threatened to terminate his contract, citing three months of unpaid salaries. While Hearts have not admitted to any contractual breach, they acknowledged holding discussions with the player and his representatives to resolve outstanding matters.
“The club has not defaulted persistently or materially on its contractual obligations in a manner that would constitute just cause for unilateral termination under the FIFA Regulations,” the statement added. “Following correspondence with the player’s representatives, the club met with the player on two separate occasions and acted in good faith to address and resolve all outstanding concerns.”
Issah has been an important figure for Hearts this season, scoring four goals in 20 Ghana Premier League appearances. As the legal process unfolds, the Phobians say they will pursue all regulatory and legal avenues to protect their interests.
