FIFA’s Football Tribunal has ordered Ghana Premier League club, Accra Hearts of Oak, to pay $150,000 in compensation to former technical director, Rene Hiddink, for wrongful termination of his contract.
The decision, issued under the Players’ Status Chamber (PSC), becomes a historic one, as FIFA has never before accepted jurisdiction over an employment dispute involving a technical director.
Hiddink, brother of renowned Dutch football manager Guus Hiddink, was appointed technical director of Hearts of Oak in July 2023 on a three-year contract.
His tenure was abruptly ended after just eight months, with the club providing no explanation for his dismissal.
According to Hiddink’s lawyer, David Winnie of Scottish law firm Gilson Gray, the club called Hiddink into a meeting and informed him that his role was terminated without cause.
The lack of transparency and communication prompted Hiddink to seek redress through FIFA.
Winnie, who led the case, described Hearts of Oak’s conduct as “disgraceful,” noting that the club ignored repeated attempts at communication until FIFA’s involvement forced a response.
“They were less than honest with Rene. They failed to respond to any of my emails, or when they did, they were again less than honest. It was only when we went to FIFA that they finally responded—because they knew they couldn’t ignore FIFA,” Winnie stated.
The case was a legal milestone, as FIFA had previously rejected claims from technical directors, limiting its dispute resolution system to players, coaches and agents.
Winnie successfully argued that Hiddink’s role which required a recognised coaching license and involved active coaching duties, fell within FIFA’s jurisdiction.
This precedent-setting decision clarifies that technical director performing coaching-related tasks, such as training, squad development or shaping a club’s football philosophy, can now seek justice through FIFA’s dispute mechanisms.
FIFA’s ruling awards Hiddink a six-figure sum, covering the remainder of his three-year contract.
Reports indicate that Hearts of Oak face a potential transfer ban if they fail to settle the $150,000 debt promptly.
The club is already grappling with financial and legal challenges, including a separate FIFA order to pay over GH¢106,000 to former player Francis Adjetey for wrongful termination, with a 30-day deadline issued in June 2025.
The ruling comes at a challenging time for Hearts of Oak, who are in the midst of rebuilding under new coach Didi Dramani.
The club faces additional pressure from transfer-related issues with the Ghana Football Association and FIFA, which could further complicate their plans for the upcoming season.
ALL/VPO
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