Patrick Quophi Obosu Quophi Obosu 
Accra Hearts of Oak have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA against South African outfit Siwelele FC, accusing the club of unlawfully approaching their player, Hamza Issah.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hearts of Oak said they were “alarmed by the conduct of Siwelele Football Club of South Africa, which engaged the player, issued an invitation and facilitated travel arrangements without notifying or seeking the consent of Hearts of Oak, despite the existence of an active contract.”
The club further described the alleged actions as “player inducement and unlawful interference with a subsisting contractual relationship, in clear violation of FIFA Regulations.”
The statement follows reports suggesting the player is on the verge of completing a move to the South African side. However, Hearts of Oak maintain that Hamza Issah remains under a valid contract with the club.
“As of today, no competent judicial, regulatory or arbitral body, including the Ghana Football Association’s Player Status Committee or FIFA, has issued any ruling or confirmation that the said contract has been lawfully terminated.”
In December, Issah’s representatives threatened to terminate his contract, accusing the club of not paying the player for three months.
While Hearts have not admitted to such contractual breaches, the club admits it has been in talks with Issah and his representatives to settle “outstanding concerns.”
“The club has not defaulted persistently or materially on its contractual obligations in a manner that would constitute just cause for unilateral termination under the FIFA Regulations. Following correspondence with the player’s representatives, the club met with the player on two separate occasions and acted in good faith to address and resolve all outstanding concerns.
Hamza Issah has scored four goals in 20 league appearances this season.
