Accra Hearts of Oak has been slapped with a transfer ban by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to pay $70,000 to New Edubiase United FC, as earlier directed.
The debt stems from the transfer of player Abdul Salim Adams, after the club missed the payment deadline of May 31, 2024, leading to the ban.
The ban is in line with Article 15(1)(c) of the GFA Disciplinary Code and was triggered after Hearts of Oak missed the final deadline of May 31, 2025, to settle the amount.
Hearts of Oak had previously acknowledged the debt and met with New Edubiase United in March to resolve the issue amicably.
However, the club ultimately failed to meet the agreed-upon terms, as demanded by New Edubiase United, leading to the transfer ban.
According to JoySports’ report on June 22, 2025, Hearts of Oak had asked Edubiase to write off the debt in the March meeting because the expected outcome for the transfer of Salim Adams had gone wrong.
The Phobians were expected to make about a million dollars from his transfer to FC Cincinnati, but unfortunately, he could not make the cut and had to return to the country.
Prior to his departure, the club had agreed to pay New Edubiase United $120,000 for permanently signing the player, but paid only $50,000.
In the March meeting, New Edubiase United had agreed to waive the debt, but Hearts of Oak allegedly failed to fulfill their obligations under the agreement.
As a result, New Edubiase insisted on receiving the outstanding $70,000
The GFA Disciplinary Committee ruled on May 8, 2025, that Hearts of Oak must pay the outstanding amount by the end of May or face sanctions, including a transfer ban.
The club was also fined GH¢5,000. When Hearts of Oak failed to make the payment, the transfer ban was imposed.
On June 13, 2025, New Edubiase United formally wrote to the General Secretary of the GFA, confirming that Hearts of Oak remained in continuous default beyond the stipulated deadline.
The club’s Chief Executive Officer, Alex Ackumey, in the letter, referenced Decision No. 4 of the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling, noted that the sanction under Article 15(1)(c) had become automatically applicable due to the club’s persistent default.
The regulation also provides for additional sanctions such as points deduction or relegation in the event of continued non-compliance.
PM/VPO
