Football League Management Must Register as Public Benefit Company

The Israel Football Leagues Management must register as a public benefit company (PBC) by January 1, 2027, placing it under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. This ruling was made by Judge David Ziler of the Jerusalem District Court.

The Management had warned that such registration could significantly harm its operations, with Premier League clubs threatening to reconsider their membership. The Ministry of Sports also argued that the registration could be "a real disaster" for the sport's administration.

The Management replaced the Israel Football Association in managing the professional leagues, the Premier League and the National League. The clubs from both leagues hold the majority of shares, with the Association holding a minority stake. In 2014, the Management distributed NIS 43 million to clubs, and NIS 140 million last year.

The Registrar of Foundations had previously ruled in 2022 and again in 2025 that the Management must register as a PBC, threatening forced registration if it failed to comply. The Management appealed, arguing its goals were not solely public, that it was permitted to distribute profits, and thus not a PBC. It also claimed the Registrar lacked authority for forced registration.

Judge Ziler determined that the Management's corporate structure and its origins, replacing the public functions of the Football Association, indicate it serves public purposes. He stated that even if it doesn't exclusively act for public benefit, its founding documents define it as a PBC, justifying forced registration. He also clarified that the Management can continue distributing funds to clubs, as this serves the public goal of promoting football, not as profit distribution.

The Registrar had also cited concerns about potential conflicts of interest and a deal worth millions made with one of its directors. Ziler found no administrative flaw justifying intervention in the Registrar's decision, which considered all arguments. The Management was ordered to pay NIS 15,000 in expenses.