Hearts of Oak settle René Hiddink debt as FIFA lifts registration ban
Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak have confirmed that FIFA has closed the case involving former coach René Hiddink after the club fully settled the amount owed to him.
In an official statement dated 18 August 2026, the Accra-based club said FIFA had formally communicated the closure of the matter and lifted all registration restrictions previously imposed on the club.
The restrictions were linked to the outstanding payment owed to Hiddink, which the club says has now been paid in full and duly confirmed by the former coach.
“Hearts of Oak Sporting Club wishes to inform its cherished supporters, stakeholders, partners, and the general public that FIFA has officially communicated to the Club the closure of the matter involving Rene Hiddink,” the statement said.
“The closure follows the full settlement of the amount due to Mr Hiddink, which has been duly confirmed by him. Consequently, FIFA has formally lifted all registration restrictions previously imposed on the Club in connection with the matter.”
Hearts of Oak said it was pleased that the dispute had been brought to an end and maintained that it had acted in good faith throughout the process.
The club also urged its supporters and stakeholders to remain calm, saying the relevant process had now been concluded.
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The lifting of the restrictions is expected to provide Hearts of Oak with greater flexibility as they prepare for the 2026-27 Ghana Premier League season under new head coach Nebojša Kapor.
The Phobians, meanwhile, will open their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League with a home game against Berekum Chelsea.