Hearts of Oak Drags Siwelele FC to FIFA Over Alleged Tapping Up of Midfielder Hamza Issah

Accra Hearts of Oak has taken a decisive legal step by filing a formal complaint with FIFA against South African side Siwelele FC. The complaint centers on allegations of tapping up their star midfielder, Hamza Issah, while he remains under an active contract with the Ghanaian giants. Hearts of Oak contends that Siwelele FC bypassed official channels and engaged the player directly, violating established international football regulations that govern the transfer and recruitment of professional athletes. The core of the dispute involves claims that Siwelele FC not only approached Issah without authorization but also went as far as making travel arrangements for the player without the consent of Hearts of Oak management. The Accra-based club views these actions as a clear case of player inducement, which is strictly prohibited under FIFA’s transfer guidelines. This move comes amid growing media speculation regarding Issah’s future, which the club maintains is erroneous given that no legal ruling has sanctioned the termination of his existing agreement. Adding complexity to the situation are reports from the player's representatives suggesting a potential termination of the contract due to alleged unpaid wages. While Issah’s camp has hinted at this possibility, Hearts of Oak management has strongly denied any serious contractual breaches that would justify such an action. The club asserts that they are currently engaged in discussions to resolve any outstanding financial matters and maintain that the player remains their property until a formal transfer or legal release is granted. As FIFA begins its review of the complaint, the outcome could have significant implications for both clubs and the player’s career trajectory. For Hearts of Oak, the move represents a firm stance on protecting their assets and ensuring that international transfer protocols are respected. Meanwhile, the football community awaits the governing body's decision, which will determine whether Siwelele FC faces sanctions or if the contractual dispute between Issah and Hearts of Oak requires further arbitration to reach a final resolution.