Maccabi Tel Aviv Ownership Drama Continues Amid Shareholder Disputes

Maccabi Tel Aviv's tumultuous summer has seen another dramatic turn as Richard Deytz announced his decision to exercise his right of first refusal for the club's shares, acquiring 55.5% of the team. This move complicates the planned sale of shares to businessman Jason Levin.

Deytz's announcement follows his purchase of 29% of the shares from the Recanati family and 9% from Ben Ashkenazi, which were originally slated for sale to Levin. The current shareholder breakdown is now: Richard Deytz with 55.5%, the Recanati family with 29%, Shimon Mizrahi with 14.5%, and Ben Ashkenazi with 1%.

However, further twists are anticipated. Sources indicate that Shimon Mizrahi also holds a right of first refusal concerning the Recanati family's 29% stake. According to the original ownership agreement, Mizrahi can purchase more shares than a new shareholder, potentially allowing him to block Deytz's ascendance as the majority shareholder.

Additionally, the Recanati family and Mizrahi possess the right of first refusal for Ashkenazi's 9% share sale to Levin. This could enable them to reduce the percentage Deytz acquires through his own right of refusal, thereby preventing him from becoming the club's primary stakeholder.

A board meeting is scheduled for early next week, with expectations of further developments before and after the gathering. The situation remains fluid and far from resolved.