Rene Hiddink Rejects Hearts of Oak’s Attempt at Settlement After FIFA Ruling
Dutch coach Rene Hiddink has declined an invitation from Hearts of Oak to negotiate a settlement after the world football governing body, FIFA, ordered the Ghanaian giants to pay him $150,000 for the unlawful termination of his contract.
Hiddink, who signed a three-year deal with the Phobians in 2023, parted ways with the club just eight months into his tenure after Hearts decided to terminate his contract prematurely. The Accra-based side failed to honor the outstanding financial obligations, prompting the tactician to file a complaint with FIFA.
The world body ruled in Hiddink’s favour, instructing Hearts of Oak to pay the outstanding sum while also imposing a transfer ban on the club until the debt is settled.
Despite the ruling, Hearts reportedly reached out to Hiddink’s representatives to seek an out-of-court agreement. However, his lawyer David Winnie revealed that the coach turned down the approach.
“Togbe Afede and the head of finance at Hearts of Oak contacted my client, Rene Hiddink, yesterday to try and reach some form of settlement agreement in this matter following FIFA’s decision to award Rene the payment of the rest of his contract. However, Rene declined this,” Winnie told Akoma FM.
“Almost a year ago, we approached the club to reach an agreement that would allow Rene to walk away, but they refused to respond to emails or telephone calls. Now that FIFA has delivered its decision, Rene is no longer interested in any settlement that delays the process. The only thing Rene is interested in now is being paid the remaining sum on his contract as ordered by FIFA.”
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak are focusing on preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season, which kicks off next month.
