Hapoel Tel Aviv CEO Ousted After Ten Days Amid Management Style Clash

Hapoel Tel Aviv has seen a swift managerial change with the departure of CEO Oren Hasson after only ten days in the role. New Chairman Stav Shaham announced Hasson's exit on Thursday, citing fundamental differences in management approaches. Shaham will temporarily assume the CEO duties until a permanent replacement is found.

Shaham explained in an interview that Hasson, coming from complex organizational structures like the Football Association and his private businesses, employed management styles that did not align with his own. "My expectations of people are different, and it didn't fit," Shaham stated, describing his own methods as more "high-tech" and "moment-to-moment," favoring a lean, efficient staff structure.

"It seems logical that after ten days, when you see things aren't working, you make a change, like in any business organization," Shaham commented. He emphasized his goal to build a highly effective team, comparing it to an elite military unit, to elevate the club. He also mentioned that former official Tzachi Reichenstein's departure was due to a similar lack of fit with the new management line.

On a more positive note, Shaham reported significant progress in season ticket sales, with "hundreds" sold, and ongoing interest from sponsors. He expressed a strong desire to resolve the ongoing conflict with the fan base, aiming for reconciliation with the supporters' association and a unified effort to achieve success, including a championship by the end of the season. Shaham asserted that he, along with the board, is leading Hapoel Tel Aviv and making the final decisions.