Hearts of Oak Transfer Ban Lifted After Full Settlement of Debt to Former Player
Accra Hearts of Oak have had their transfer ban officially lifted following the full payment of an outstanding debt owed to former player Francis Adjetey on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) had earlier imposed the ban after the club missed a July 7 deadline to comply with a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ordered the Phobians to pay Adjetey over GHS 106,000. The final amount paid, which exceeded GHS 129,000, included GHS 106,477.42 in salary arrears, a 5% annual interest backdated to September 2023, and $1,250 in legal costs.
The ban, which prevented the club from registering players both domestically and internationally, took effect after Hearts failed to meet the GFA’s ultimatum earlier this month. Several attempts to negotiate a staggered payment plan failed, prompting the club to settle the full amount in one installment on Thursday.
According to GFA regulations, the transfer ban was lifted automatically upon payment, clearing the path for Hearts of Oak to resume transfer activities ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
This development comes just two weeks after the club also settled a separate $38,000 debt owed to New Edubiase United, relating to the transfer of midfielder Salim Adams. That payment had also led to the lifting of a previous ban.
However, the Phobians’ financial troubles may not be over. Reports indicate that the club could be hit with another transfer ban if they fail to settle a $150,000 payment ordered by FIFA in favor of former Technical Director Rene Hiddink.
For now, with both local disputes resolved, Hearts of Oak are free to engage in the transfer market as they prepare for the new campaign.
