Hapoel Ironi Tiberias Rejects Rotem Hatuel Amidst Player Opposition

Hapoel Ironi Tiberias has decided not to sign winger Rotem Hatuel, a move attributed to unprecedented player opposition within the team. The controversy erupted during a heated exchange between Hatuel's father, Yehuda Hatuel, and Shimon Hadari, a representative of the club's ownership, on the "5 Baavir" radio show.

Yehuda Hatuel expressed deep distress, stating, "You destroyed my son." He recounted that the deal was initially considered finalized, with the player and his father arriving to sign the contract. However, Hadari informed them that "people badmouthed Rotem" and that the club could not proceed. Yehuda Hatuel suggested a former agent might have sabotaged the deal by advising the club against signing his son and promising to bring another player.

Shimon Hadari initially offered a different explanation, claiming he needed to consult with the owners and that the decision was not related to player objections. He later revealed the true reason: the existing players in the locker room strongly opposed Hatuel's signing. Hadari stated that five players approached the club, insisting he not be brought in, and that the locker room's harmony was paramount for the team's stability. He admitted to initially misleading Yehuda Hatuel to protect the player's reputation.

Hadari described Hatuel as "socially bad," prone to insubordination, and causing "Italian strikes" on the field. Yehuda Hatuel vehemently denied these claims, asserting his son is well-loved in locker rooms and that certain agents and coaches are targeting him out of jealousy. He vowed to confront the players responsible for allegedly ruining his son's career.