FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) has granted approval for Hearts of Oak striker Hamza Issah to terminate his contract with the Accra based club, paving the way for his immediate transfer to South African side Siwelele FC.
The decision, confirmed on Friday, February 13, 2026, gives the player and his management the authority to formally end ties with Hearts of Oak following months of salary disputes. Issah is scheduled to depart Ghana on Sunday, February 15, at 10:00 am to finalize the move and begin a new chapter in his career with the Bloemfontein based club.
The 23 year old striker initiated contract termination proceedings in December 2025 after going unpaid for three consecutive months from September to November 2025. His agency, Prosport International, invoked FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), which permits players to terminate contracts for just cause if wages remain unpaid for more than two consecutive months.
In a letter dated February 9, 2026, addressed to Hearts of Oak Managing Director Delali Anku Adiamah and the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosport International confirmed that Issah had not received his contractually agreed monthly salary of GH₵5,000 for September, October, and November 2025. The agency described the club’s persistent failure to honor financial obligations as a continued and material breach of the employment agreement.
Despite the imminent departure, Hearts of Oak management are making last minute efforts to persuade Issah to feature in Sunday’s Super Clash against Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium before his departure. Club officials remain hopeful that the striker can still play a role in the high profile encounter, which kicks off at 17:00 GMT.
However, indications suggest the move is already on course, with one of Issah’s managers, Isaac, currently in South Africa awaiting the player’s arrival. The situation places Issah at the center of attention ahead of the 120th GPL (Ghana Premier League) Super Clash, with uncertainty surrounding his availability for the crucial fixture.
Issah joined Hearts of Oak on August 1, 2023, from Ghana Division One League side New Edubiase United and has established himself as a key player for the Phobians. The center forward has made significant contributions during his time at the club, featuring regularly in the GPL and helping Hearts maintain their position in the top half of the table.
Siwelele FC, formerly known as SuperSport United, is a South African professional soccer club that relocated to Bloemfontein following the purchase of SuperSport United’s Premiership status for R50 million at the end of the 2024 to 2025 season. The club adopted the Siwelele nickname, which was associated with Bloemfontein Celtic before that club sold its status to Royal AM in 2021.
The club is backed by a consortium affiliated with South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and currently competes in the Betway Premiership, South Africa’s top flight football league. Siwelele FC plays home matches at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Issah’s transfer represents the latest in a series of departures linked to Hearts of Oak’s ongoing financial difficulties. Multiple players have reportedly gone unpaid for extended periods, with the club struggling to meet salary obligations amid broader financial challenges affecting Ghanaian football.
The striker’s case has drawn attention to the financial instability affecting several GPL clubs and the importance of FIFA regulations protecting player welfare. The RSTP framework provides essential safeguards ensuring that professional footballers can seek remedies when clubs fail to honor contractual obligations.
Hearts of Oak currently sit third in the GPL standings with 36 points from 21 matches, five points behind leaders Medeama SC. The club has relied heavily on Issah’s attacking contributions throughout the season, making his departure a significant blow to their title ambitions and preparations for the crucial Super Clash.
The timing of Issah’s exit adds complexity to Hearts’ preparations for Sunday’s derby against rivals Asante Kotoko. The match represents one of Ghana’s most historic football rivalries, with both clubs seeking victory to strengthen their respective positions in the title race and secure bragging rights in the 120th edition of the fixture.
Prosport International requested that Hearts of Oak issue Issah’s clearance certificate and all related documentation without delay, in line with obligations imposed under FIFA RSTP. The agency emphasized that the contract termination took effect immediately following FIFA’s approval.
FIFA’s decision underscores the governing body’s commitment to enforcing regulations that protect professional players from financial exploitation. The RSTP framework has increasingly been utilized by players in African leagues to secure transfers when clubs fail to meet basic contractual obligations.
Issah’s move to South Africa follows similar transfers by other Ghanaian players seeking better financial stability and professional opportunities abroad. The South African Premiership has become an attractive destination for West African talent due to improved infrastructure, competitive salaries, and exposure to scouts from European leagues.
Siwelele FC will hope that Issah’s addition strengthens their attacking options as they navigate their inaugural season in the Premiership following the relocation from Pretoria. The club has faced challenges establishing its identity in Bloemfontein but continues efforts to win over supporters who remain loyal to the memory of Bloemfontein Celtic.
