Hapoel Be'er Sheva Owner Slams Football Association Deputy Chairman

Alona Barkat, owner of Hapoel Be'er Sheva football club, publicly called for Moran Meiri, deputy chairman of the Israel Football Association and legal advisor for Maccabi Tel Aviv, to resign from his position. Barkat accused Meiri of hypocrisy regarding corporate governance, stating that a club representative should not simultaneously hold a senior role in the association that governs Israeli football.

Barkat highlighted the conflict of interest in Meiri serving both as deputy chairman of the association and in a legal capacity for Maccabi Tel Aviv. She quoted Meiri as admitting he "serves the same public that sent you," implying a dual loyalty that she finds problematic. Barkat concluded her remarks with the Hebrew idiom, "He who disqualifies with his own flaw, disqualifies," suggesting Meiri is projecting his own shortcomings.

The dispute centers on the debate over corporate governance within the Football Association and whether individuals representing clubs can concurrently hold high-ranking positions within the governing body. Barkat argues that holding both roles creates an inherent conflict, while Meiri continues to serve in both capacities.

Meiri responded to Barkat's accusations, inviting scrutiny of alleged attempts by Barkat to influence association officials. He pointed out that the association's bylaws explicitly prohibit the chairman and their deputy from having club affiliations, but do not extend this prohibition to the deputy chairman or faction leaders, a role Barkat herself holds. Meiri stated he was unanimously elected to his position, with Barkat participating in the vote. He also accused Barkat of initiating a campaign against him, similar to one she allegedly waged against a former official who did not intervene in a legal matter in her favor, vowing to continue working to strengthen corporate governance and oversight within the association.