Beitar Jerusalem’s new premium section sparks backlash from longtime fans

Beitar Jerusalem has officially launched sales for its 2026/27 season tickets and opened the first phase, which starts Sunday, for renewing subscribers only. Members of the club’s “Beitari” fan program will get a 5% discount and additional benefits, and the club has set July 4, 2026, as the deadline for preserving previous seats in the various stands.

The center of the campaign is the new GOLDEN GATE premium area, which will be built in the western stand for 5,500 shekels. The club plans a closed VIP section with about 350 upgraded seats, offering dedicated parking, a luxury hospitality space before matches, light refreshments, free beer, and personal service.

The move triggered a major backlash because the section will be built at the expense of the regular seats of the western stand’s oldest supporters. Many fans who have sat in the same seats for decades discovered their places had been taken for the new project, prompting a wave of angry posts and criticism on social media.

Supporters accused the club of favoring wealthy buyers over tradition and loyalty. Beitar said it understands the sensitivity and issued an official clarification, saying the decision was made with long-term economic and strategic considerations in mind. At the same time, the club promised personal assistance to every affected fan and said it would work to find the best possible replacement seat in the stadium.