Klimenzon Seeks Court Order Against Partner Miki Bitan Over Football Club Funds

Arie Klimenzon has taken legal action against his business partner of 30 years, Miki Bitan, accusing him of attempting an illegal takeover of the bank account belonging to the Hapoel Ironi Tiberias football club. Klimenzon alleges that Bitan and his family have engaged in extortion and attempted to seize club funds, particularly after Bitan was banned from all sports activities for seven years by the Football Association. The association also stated that Bitan's involvement with the club was illegal.

According to Klimenzon, Bitan attempted to transfer a fabricated protocol from a general assembly to the bank, aiming to dispossess the club's legal institutions and gain control of its finances. This led to the bank freezing the club's activities and causing checks to be returned. Klimenzon stated that Bitan's actions are financially crippling the club, endangering its operations, and harming suppliers, players, and staff.

Klimenzon emphasized his personal investment of millions of shekels and guarantees to bring Tiberias to the Premier League, declaring he will not allow a "scammer" to empty the club's coffers for personal gain. He has notified the Football Association, the Budget Control Authority, and the League Management about the alleged forgery, exceeding authority, and budgetary damage.

Simultaneously, Klimenzon is petitioning the court for an urgent injunction to invalidate the forged protocol. He vowed to continue defending the club through all legal means, remove negative influences, and protect its funds, asserting that Hapoel Ironi Tiberias is stronger than any individual. Miki Bitan, in response, stated to the Sports Channel that their actions are in accordance with the law and the club's bylaws.