By Issah Olegor
Accra Hearts of Oak SC have formally lodged a complaint with FIFA against South African club Siwelele FC, accusing them of unlawfully approaching midfielder Hamza Issah while he remains under a valid contract with the Ghanaian giants.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Hearts of Oak alleged that Siwelele FC engaged the player without authorisation, extended an invitation to him, and even facilitated travel arrangements — all without the knowledge or consent of Hearts of Oak, the club that holds his contractual registration.
According to Hearts, the actions of the South African side amount to “player inducement and unlawful interference with a subsisting contractual relationship,” which they argue is in direct breach of FIFA Regulations governing player transfers and contractual stability.
The club insists that such conduct undermines the integrity of the transfer system and the authority of contractual agreements in professional football.
The complaint follows widespread media speculation linking Hamza Issah with a possible move to South Africa.
However, Hearts of Oak have dismissed these reports as premature and misleading, stressing that the player’s contract remains legally binding.
“As of today, no competent judicial, regulatory or arbitral body, including the Ghana Football Association Player Status Committee or FIFA, has issued any ruling or confirmation that the said contract has been lawfully terminated,” the club stated.
The dispute has its roots in December, when Issah’s representatives reportedly threatened to terminate his contract, citing three months of unpaid wages. While Hearts of Oak deny any persistent or material breach of contract, they confirmed that discussions have been ongoing with the player and his representatives to resolve the matter amicably.
“The club met with the player on two separate occasions and acted in good faith to address and resolve all outstanding concerns,” the statement added, indicating efforts to avoid escalation through internal dialogue.
Despite the off-field controversy, Hamza Issah has been an important figure for Hearts of Oak this season, scoring four goals in 20 league appearances, making him a key component of the club’s midfield structure.
The case now shifts to FIFA’s legal and regulatory framework, where the world football governing body is expected to assess whether Siwelele FC breached international transfer regulations by allegedly tapping up a contracted player.
The outcome could have significant implications for both clubs and for Hamza Issah’s future, as Hearts of Oak seek to defend their contractual rights on the global football stage.
