Maccabi Tel Aviv Stakeholder Slams Ex-Partners in Leaked Recording

Oudi Recanati, a major shareholder in the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club, has broken his usual public silence to criticize his former partners, David and Danny Federman, in a leaked audio recording. Recanati, whose family has a prominent banking and finance background in Israel, described Danny Federman's management style as "under the table, behind the back," stating they did not get along. He expressed admiration for David Federman, a close friend for 50 years, but found Danny's management unsuitable for the club.

Recanati also discussed the club's budget, revealing that Maccabi Tel Aviv spent $31.8 million this year. He claimed the Federmans were typically the ones who hindered efforts to increase the budget. The recording was submitted to the Tel Aviv District Court as part of a shareholder dispute, alongside a request to appoint an arbitrator.

In the recording, Recanati also commented on Arik Stilman, founder of the fintech company Rapyd, who attempted to acquire a stake in the club. Recanati found Stilman too aggressive to be a suitable sponsor. He also spoke positively about Jason Levien, former CEO of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, as a potential new partner, citing Levien's age, Zionist beliefs, and desire to partially relocate to Israel.

The Federman family responded to the leaked comments, expressing regret that their late father, David Federman, is being used in the dispute. They stated it would be better for Maccabi Tel Aviv if their family was not drawn into ownership issues, forcing them to defend their reputation.