Maccabi Tel Aviv Ownership Dispute: Dietz Offers Talks to Mizrahi

Richard Dietz, a shareholder in the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club, has sent a letter to Shimon Mizrahi, the club's chairman, proposing a resolution to the ongoing ownership dispute ahead of the new Jewish year. Dietz expressed his belief that a solution is possible, emphasizing the need to move past personal "instincts" for the betterment of the club and its fans.

In his letter, Dietz acknowledged Mizrahi's tradition of sending New Year's greetings since Dietz joined Maccabi in 2013, contrasting it with the current "media circus" surrounding the ownership conflict. He stated that Mizrahi and Udi Recanati's decision to exclude him, a shareholder for 13 years, from discussions about the club's future was a mistake. Dietz also criticized their attempt to bring in Jason Levien as a new controlling owner, citing "contractual failures and irregularities" and asserting that fans do not support an "external and disconnected" entity controlling the club.

Dietz anticipates that arbitration proceedings will likely extend through a significant portion of the upcoming season, creating a negative atmosphere around the club. He noted that mutual acquaintances have suggested resolving the dispute outside of legal channels for the sake of Maccabi. Dietz recalled Mizrahi's past statesmanship, citing his role in facilitating a historic basketball game in Belgium in 1977 and securing the 2004 EuroLeague Final Four for Tel Aviv during the Second Intifada.

"My door is always open for serious and good-faith discussion on a framework for exiting the current situation," Dietz wrote. He believes a solution can be found that addresses both parties' concerns, secures Mizrahi's legacy, and maintains Maccabi's connection with its fans. Dietz concluded by stating that the New Year presents an opportunity for new beginnings and building a better future, which he believes is what the fans desire.