Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Protest Shimon Mizrahi Over Ownership Dispute

A faction of Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club fans, organized as 'Nish'arim Ba'Mapah' (Staying on the Map), has escalated their protest against club chairman Shimon Mizrahi. The group hung dozens of signs across Tel Aviv, including near Mizrahi's home, bearing the message "Shimon, choose a side." This action follows Mizrahi's announcement that he will exercise his right of first refusal to purchase shares from the Rekanati family. This move is expected to make Mizrahi the controlling shareholder, significantly altering the club's ownership structure.

The fans' protest highlights their concern over the club's recent "worrying administrative and professional situation" and the "growing anger" among supporters due to uncertainty. The 'Nish'arim Ba'Mapah' organization stated that they demand Mizrahi "come to his senses and choose the good of the team, and not tarnish his legacy by destroying Maccabi together with Rekanati and Levin." The group also claimed to have held protest vigils outside the homes of the Rekanati family.

Mizrahi's decision comes after he reportedly backed away from a plan to sell some of his shares to Jason Levien. Currently, only Udi Rekanati is expected to sell 7.5% of the club's shares to the American businessman, pending shareholder approval. Mizrahi's planned acquisition would increase his stake from 14.5% to approximately 40.5%, positioning him as the largest shareholder and potentially blocking Richard De Vos, who holds 17.5% of the shares, from increasing his own holdings.

De Vos had previously stated his intention to exercise his right of first refusal, which could have increased his stake to over 55%. However, a special clause in the shareholders' agreement grants Mizrahi the ability to purchase over 26% of the 29% the Rekanati family intended to sell to Levien. This clause is central to Mizrahi's strategy to prevent De Vos from gaining controlling interest in Maccabi Tel Aviv.