Dutch coach Rene Hiddink has turned down Hearts of Oak’s attempts to resume negotiations after FIFA ordered the Ghanaian powerhouses to compensate him $150,000 for the illegal termination of his contract.
Hiddink signed a three-year contract with the Phobians in 2023, but he left the team eight months later.
The Dutchman petitioned FIFA after Hearts of Oak ended his contract without paying the remaining payment.
The world governing body decided in his favour, ordering Hearts to pay the sum and prohibiting the club from making any more transfers.
Following FIFA’s decision to grant Rene Hiddink the payment of the remaining portion of his contract,
Togbe Afede and the head of finance of Hearts of Oak visited my client yesterday in an attempt to come to some sort of settlement deal.
But Rene turned this down,” Winnie said to Akoma FM.
He clarified that about a year ago, Hiddink had attempted to reach a friendly agreement, but the club had not responded.
“Rene is no longer interested in any settlement that slows down the process now that FIFA has delivered its ruling.
Rene’s primary concern at this point is getting the remaining amount on his contract as FIFA has mandated,” Winnie continued.
Hearts of Oak, meantime, are intensifying their preparations for the 2025–26 Ghana Premier League season,
which begins against Hohoe United on September 12. The Phobians, who placed second in the most recent GHALCA Top 4 tournament, will also aim for the Democracy Cup.
