Football Official Responds to Owner's Calls for Resignation

Moran Meiri, deputy chairman of the Football Association and legal advisor for Maccabi Tel Aviv, has responded to harsh criticism from Alona Barkat, owner of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, who called for his resignation. Meiri stated that Barkat's "incitement campaign" is now directed at him, following her alleged attempts to influence him regarding a legal proceeding in her favor.

Meiri challenged Barkat to approach the individuals he mentioned in a previous interview to investigate her "improper attempts" to influence them. He pointed out that while the Association's regulations prevent the chairman and their deputy from having affiliations, they do not prohibit such affiliations for the deputy chairman or a faction leader, a role Barkat holds.

Meiri further asserted that he was unanimously elected to his position by the management, with Barkat herself participating in the vote. He believes Barkat's current campaign against him is a result of his refusal to intervene in a legal matter on her behalf. Meiri vowed not to be deterred and will continue working to improve corporate governance and strengthen oversight within the Football Association.