Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has issued a strong official statement insisting that midfielder Hamza Issah remains a contracted player of the club, dismissing widespread reports suggesting he had unilaterally terminated his deal.
In recent days, claims had emerged that Issah ended his contract over alleged unpaid salaries and had secured provisional clearance from FIFA to join South African side Siwele Football Club also known as Siwelele on a free transfer.
However, in a statement dated 18 February 2026, Hearts of Oak categorically rejected those assertions, maintaining that the player is still legally bound to the club.
According to the Phobians, no judicial, regulatory, or arbitral authority including the Ghana Football Association Player Status Committee ; has ruled that Issah’s contract has been lawfully terminated.
The club further stated that it has not defaulted on its financial obligations in any persistent or material way that would amount to “just cause” for unilateral termination under FIFA’s transfer regulations.
Management added that they had engaged in what they described as “good-faith discussions” with the player and his representatives on two separate occasions to address outstanding concerns.
Hearts of Oak also condemned what it described as the unauthorised leakage of confidential correspondence linked to the dispute, calling the act unprofessional and misleading.
More significantly, the club accused Siwele FC of unlawful interference, alleging that the South African outfit approached Issah, issued him an invitation, and facilitated his travel without the consent or notification of Hearts of Oak, despite the existence of an active contract.
As part of its response, the club confirmed that formal complaints have been lodged with FIFA against Siwele FC as well as ProSports International, believed to be the player’s representatives. Hearts say they are pursuing all available legal and regulatory avenues to protect contractual stability and the club’s interests.
The development once again places the spotlight on contractual disputes within Ghanaian football, an issue that has surfaced repeatedly in recent seasons amid financial pressures faced by several local clubs.
For now, Hearts of Oak’s official stance is clear: Hamza Issah remains their player unless a competent football authority rules otherwise. The matter is expected to progress to FIFA’s dispute resolution channels if no mutual settlement is reached.
Below is the statement from Accra Hearts of Oak
