Football Association Chairman and Hapoel Ironi Tiberias Owner Hold Reconciliation Meeting

Shino Zuarz, chairman of the Football Association, and Aryeh Kalmanzon, owner of Hapoel Ironi Tiberias, held a reconciliation meeting on Wednesday, aimed at de-escalating tensions between them. The meeting was facilitated by Shimon Hadari, a representative of the incoming ownership of Tiberias, who has a close relationship with Zuarz. The dispute had escalated to the point where Tiberias formally requested Zuarz be summoned to testify before the disciplinary tribunal in August. This demand has now been withdrawn ahead of the evidence phase, scheduled to begin September 10.

The discussion was described as "important and in good spirits." During the meeting, which included legal staff from the Football Association, Kalmanzon presented his position that the Association had not acted fairly towards the club since the scandal broke, particularly criticizing the leak of accusations and investigation materials to the press before an official indictment was filed. Zuarz, however, maintained his distance from the matter, stating that as chairman, he delegates authority and does not interfere in legal or disciplinary proceedings, asserting, "I am the chairman of all the teams."

As part of broader efforts to mend relations, Zuarz is expected to visit Tiberias in October. During this visit, he plans to meet with Mayor Yossi Naba to explore how the Association can assist Tiberias with its facilities, specifically advancing the club's move to its new home stadium, which is still under construction.

In other club news, Hapoel Ironi Tiberias is preparing for its league match against Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday. New signing Arthur Marinayan has not yet arrived in Israel and will not be in the squad. Kais Ghanem has returned to fitness and may start, while Mansour Badji remains sidelined with an injury.