FIFA has launched a disciplinary process against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for not fully executing a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling requiring Hearts of Oak to compensate their former player, Francis Adjetey.
On June 3, 2025, FIFA’s Legal & Compliance Department sent a formal notice to the GFA pointing out that GFA had “not complied in full” with the CAS decision—a violation of Article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
⏳ What FIFA Wants
- FIFA reminded the GFA that the CAS ruling carried a 30-day deadline to make payment, including CHF 1,000 in legal costs to Adjetey.
- If the GFA fails to act, FIFA will withhold 20% of its next FIFA Forward funding installment until the debt is cleared.
- Continued non-payment could mean another 20% hold on subsequent funding, and FIFA might escalate the issue to its Disciplinary Committee for further action.
⚖️ GFA’s Options
- GFA can accept the sanction or submit a defense within five days. If it contests, a disciplinary hearing will follow, aimed around June 19, 2025.
- Without a response, the proposed penalties become binding.
📝 FIFA’s Next Steps
The letter, signed by Américo Espallargas, Head of FIFA Disciplinary affairs, directs GFA to:
- Notify FIFA when payments are made, providing proof.
- Facilitate confirmation of receipt from Adjetey through the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana.
