Accra Hearts of Oak has received a transfer ban from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after failing to pay $70,000 owed to New Edubiase United. The club missed the May 31, 2025, deadline set by the GFA, prompting enforcement of the sanction under Article 15(1)(c) of the GFA Disciplinary Code.
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The debt comes from the transfer of midfielder Salim Adams. Hearts was ordered to pay $50,000 as the remaining balance and an additional $20,000 from an onward transfer fee. Although both clubs met in March to settle the issue, Hearts failed to meet the agreed terms.
Officials from Hearts reportedly asked New Edubiase to cancel the debt, citing a failed move of Adams to FC Cincinnati. The deal was expected to bring in nearly $1 million, but Adams didn’t meet performance targets and returned to Ghana. Hearts had earlier agreed to pay $120,000 for his full transfer, but only paid $50,000.
New Edubiase initially agreed to waive the rest, but said Hearts didn’t meet the conditions. As a result, they demanded the full $70,000. On May 8, the GFA’s Disciplinary Committee fined Hearts GH¢5,000 and warned of a transfer ban if the debt wasn’t paid by the end of May.
On June 13, New Edubiase wrote to the GFA confirming that Hearts was still in default. CEO Alex Ackumey said the club’s failure to pay had triggered the automatic ban.
Sources say Hearts offered a $20,000 cheque recently, but New Edubiase declined.
The ban means Hearts of Oak cannot register new players locally or internationally until they pay the full amount. Continued default could result in additional penalties, including points deduction or relegation.
