Maccabi Tel Aviv Shareholder Accuses Owners of Deceit, Hypocrisy

Richard Deitz, a shareholder in the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club, has launched a public attack against controlling owners Udi Recanati and Shimon Mizrahi, accusing them of deceit and hypocrisy. Deitz announced he has filed an urgent request with the Tel Aviv District Court and initiated arbitration proceedings, citing a series of alleged breaches of the shareholders' agreement.

Deitz stated that his actions were taken with a heavy heart after Recanati sent a midnight notice canceling a planned shareholders' meeting and announcing the unilateral transfer of 7.5% of the club's shares to Jason Levien. Deitz claims this transfer, along with previous violations, is an attempt to transfer control of the club to Levien.

While acknowledging Mizrahi's legendary status and deep love for the club, Deitz sharply criticized his alleged hypocrisy. "To deceive a partner and plot against him, and then accuse him of disloyalty because he chose to be loyal to Maccabi and not to the plotters, is hypocrisy," Deitz wrote, referencing Mizrahi's long tenure and support for the club.

Deitz expressed his belief that legal disputes should be settled in court, not in public, acknowledging the significant interest from fans but lamenting the negative light the internal struggle casts on the club as a new season approaches. He urged fans to focus on the team's performance on the court, led by coach Oded Kattash and captain John DiBartolomeo, and to offer their full support regardless of the ownership disputes.

Deitz concluded by expressing hope that "calm and logic will prevail" eventually, but stressed the importance of unity in supporting the team. "Yalla Maccabi!" he declared.