Maccabi Tel Aviv Co-Owner Richard Daetz Urges Resolution in Ownership Dispute

Richard Daetz, a co-owner of the Israeli basketball club Maccabi Tel Aviv, has sent a letter to Shimon Mofaz, the club's chairman, urging a resolution to the ongoing ownership dispute ahead of the new Jewish year. Daetz expressed optimism that a solution can be found, emphasizing the need to set aside personal "passions" for the betterment of the club and its fans.

The letter, sent on Thursday, addresses the contentious issue of the club's ownership structure, which has become a significant talking point among fans. Daetz acknowledged Mofaz's tradition of calling him before the New Year, calling him a "gentleman" for his personal outreach despite the current "shareholder conflict" that has overshadowed the team's promising roster and turned into a "media circus."

Daetz outlined three points he believes are clear: first, that Mofaz and Udi Recanati's decision to exclude a 13-year partner from discussions about the club's future was a mistake. Second, he stated that attempts to bring in Jason Levien as a new controlling owner involved "tricks" and circumvented the shareholders' agreement, leading to contractual "failures and irregularities." Third, Daetz asserted that the fans do not support an "external and detached" entity controlling the club.

Looking ahead, Daetz anticipates that arbitration proceedings will likely extend through a significant portion of the upcoming season, creating a "murky atmosphere" around the club. He referenced Mofaz's past successes in brokering compromises, including facilitating a historic game in Belgium in 1977 and ensuring Tel Aviv hosted the Final Four in 2004 during the Second Intifada. Daetz concluded by stating his door is open for a "serious and good-faith discussion" to find a solution that addresses both parties' concerns, secures Mofaz's legacy, and protects Maccabi's connection with its fans, calling the New Year a time for "new beginnings."