By: Kwame Bediako
Former Accra Hearts of Oak Technical Director Rene Hiddink has launched legal action in Ghana to recover $146,400 owed to him by the club. This follows a FIFA ruling earlier this year ordering the Phobians to pay the Dutch coach for breach of contract.
Despite the arbitration decision, the club has yet to make the compensation payment.
Hiddink filed a motion at the High Court in Tema seeking permission to recognize the FIFA arbitral award as a judgment of Ghanaian courts.
This legal step is necessary to compel the club’s compliance with the FIFA Players’ Status Chamber ruling issued on June 24, 2025. The court’s endorsement would give the award the force of a local judgment.
If the High Court grants Hiddink’s application, he will be able to implement enforcement actions such as freezing the club’s bank accounts or seizing assets to recover the money owed. This move highlights the challenges some clubs face in settling contract disputes despite international rulings.
The case is slated for hearing later in October 2025, although the exact date remains unconfirmed. Hearts of Oak have not yet issued a public statement regarding the court filing.
However, insiders say the club’s legal team is preparing a formal response to the allegations and planned enforcement action.
