Football Association Chairman and Tiberias Owner Hold Reconciliation Meeting

The chairman of the Football Association, Shino Zuarz, and the owner of Ironi Tiberias, Arie Klemenson, held a reconciliation meeting on Tuesday to ease tensions between them. The meeting, brokered by incoming owner representative Shimon Hadari, aimed to de-escalate a dispute that had led Tiberias to officially demand Zuarz testify before a disciplinary tribunal in August. That demand has now been withdrawn ahead of the evidence phase of the proceedings, set to begin September 10.

The discussion was described as "important and in good spirits." Klemenson presented his position that the Association had not acted fairly towards Tiberias since the affair erupted, criticizing the leak of accusations and investigation materials to the press before an official indictment was filed. Zuarz, however, maintained his stance of being "outside the event," stating that as chairman, he delegates authority and avoids interfering in legal or disciplinary proceedings, asserting, "I am the chairman of all the teams."

As part of broader efforts to calm the situation and start anew, Zuarz is expected to visit Tiberias in October. During the visit, he plans to meet with Mayor Yossi Nabeh to explore how the Association can assist Tiberias with its facilities, particularly in advancing the move to play at the new home stadium, which is still under construction.

In other club news, Ironi Tiberias is preparing for its league match against Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday. New signing Arthur Marinanyan has not yet arrived in Israel and will not be in the squad. Kays Ghanem has returned to fitness and may start, while the injured Mansour Badji will continue to be absent.