Hearts of Oak’s rebuilding efforts have hit an early obstacle following the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to impose a transfer ban on the club. The ban comes as a result of the club’s failure to pay $70,000 owed to New Edubiase United over the transfer of Salim Adams. This financial dispute has now put a halt to the club’s plans to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The Phobians, eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, had announced an ambitious strategy to revamp their team. A new recruitment team was introduced last week, and a new technical bench, led by experienced coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, was appointed to lead the charge. The club’s management was optimistic about making significant improvements to challenge for domestic and continental honors.
However, the GFA’s ruling, which was triggered by Hearts of Oak’s failure to settle the final installment of Adams’ transfer fee, now prevents the club from registering any new players. This restriction applies to both local and international transfers, halting their transfer activities just as they were gearing up to make key signings. The move raises concerns about the club’s internal financial management and adherence to transfer regulations.
Sources close to the club indicate that multiple player targets had already been identified, with negotiations at an advanced stage. The transfer ban has now frozen these developments, posing a serious setback to Dramani’s plans. The inability to acquire new players could hinder the team’s preparedness for the forthcoming season and their ability to compete at the highest level.
Hearts of Oak risks losing out on crucial targets in a highly competitive transfer market if the financial issue is not resolved swiftly. This situation not only complicates their immediate rebuilding efforts but also raises broader questions about the club’s internal processes and financial discipline. The club’s management will need to act quickly to address the debt and lift the ban to ensure their plans for a successful campaign are not derailed.
Source: GBC