Maccabi Tel Aviv Official Responds to Criticism from Hapoel Be'er Sheva Owner

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. Barkat had called for Meiri to resign from his position within the association.

Meiri stated that Barkat's attempts to influence association officials were improper and that the association's bylaws permit individuals with affiliations, like Barkat herself who heads a faction, to hold positions such as deputy chairman, while explicitly prohibiting owners from being chairman or acting chairman. He added that he was unanimously elected to his deputy role, with Barkat participating in the vote.

Meiri accused Barkat of orchestrating a campaign against him, similar to one she allegedly waged against a former association official who did not intervene in a legal matter in her favor. He asserted that this tactic would not deter him and that he would continue to work to improve corporate governance and strengthen oversight within the association.