Basketball Player Max Heidegger Accuses Club Chairman of Email Hacking and Fraud

Basketball player Max Heidegger has sent a legal warning letter to Eldad Akunis, the chairman of the Bnei Herzliya basketball club, accusing him of hacking into Heidegger's email account and impersonating him to request tuition reimbursement. The letter, obtained by Sport Channel, alleges that Akunis accessed Heidegger's email with Reichman University, changed his password, and then falsely requested a tuition refund of NIS 52,500 (approximately $14,000 USD) in Heidegger's name. Heidegger's legal team claims these actions constitute serious criminal offenses, including fraud, impersonation, and invasion of privacy.

The letter demands NIS 100,000 (approximately $27,000 USD) in compensation within seven days, stating that this amount is for settlement purposes and that legal action, including a criminal complaint, will be pursued if the demand is not met. The letter emphasizes Akunis's central role in the club, suggesting he was fully aware of these alleged actions.

This dispute arises amidst a separate conflict between Heidegger and Bnei Herzliya. Heidegger recently signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv, but his former club objects, citing a contract clause that allegedly prohibits him from signing with any other Israeli team. Both clubs anticipate the matter will be decided in court, with Heidegger already joining his new team.

Bnei Herzliya responded to the hacking allegations, calling them "fabricated and childish" and claiming the complaint was filed two months ago. The club asserts that Heidegger is attempting to claim tuition money that the team paid for his upcoming academic year as part of their agreement, an agreement he claims to have canceled. Herzliya believes the complaint's sole purpose is to influence an arbitration process and intimidate the club into allowing Heidegger's "illegal transfer" to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The club stated that a proper response will be provided at the appropriate time and place.