Israeli Football Coaches Union Threatens Disciplinary Action Against Kobi Refua

The Israeli Football Coaches Union has sent a warning letter to Bnei Eilat, a Liga Bet team, threatening disciplinary proceedings against their manager, Kobi Refua. The union alleges that Refua is acting as the club's professional manager and is actively involved in coaching on the field, despite not being a registered member of the union or meeting the required professional development hours.

According to the union's statutes, individuals acting as coaches or professional managers must be registered with the union and have completed at least 15 hours of professional training over the preceding three seasons. The union cites media reports and Refua's own interviews as evidence that he is functioning as the professional manager without proper licensing.

The union's letter states that Refua was listed as "Youth Department Manager" during a State Cup match on August 31, 2026, a role that does not require a coaching license. However, his actions on the field suggest he is performing duties that do require one.

Bnei Eilat has been instructed to immediately cease employing Refua in any professional capacity that requires adherence to the Football Association's regulations, including professional management or sideline coaching, until his status is regularized. Failure to comply will result in the union filing a complaint with the Football Association's prosecutor, demanding disciplinary action against the club and those involved.