Dutch coach René Hiddink has rejected an approach from Hearts of Oak to negotiate a settlement after FIFA ordered the Ghanaian giants to pay him $150,000 in compensation following the unlawful termination of his contract.
Hiddink, who signed a three-year deal with the Accra-based club in 2023, left after just eight months when his contract was abruptly terminated. The decision, made without settling his financial entitlements, prompted the Dutchman to seek redress from FIFA.
World football’s governing body ruled in Hiddink’s favour, directing Hearts to pay the outstanding sum while also imposing a transfer ban on the club.
In an attempt to resolve the matter, Hearts officials reportedly reached out to Hiddink’s camp.
But according to his legal representative, David Winnie, the former coach is unwilling to engage in further talks.
“Togbe Afede and the head of finance at Hearts of Oak contacted my client, Rene Hiddink, yesterday to try and reach some form of settlement agreement in this matter following FIFA’s decision to award Rene the payment of the rest of his contract. However, Rene declined this,” he told Akoma FM.
He explained that Hiddink had initially been open to an amicable resolution nearly a year ago, but the club failed to respond to repeated attempts at dialogue.
“Almost a year ago, we approached the club to reach an agreement that would allow Rene to walk away, but they refused to respond to emails or telephone calls.
“Now that FIFA has delivered its decision, Rene is no longer interested in any settlement that delays the process. The only thing Rene is interested in now is being paid the remaining sum on his contract as ordered by FIFA,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak have shifted focus back to the pitch as they prepare to face city rivals Great Olympics in the Democracy Cup.
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