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

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 ties to clubs, such as himself and Barkat, to hold positions like deputy chairman or faction leader, while prohibiting owners from holding the chairman or acting chairman roles.

He further asserted that he was unanimously elected to his deputy chairman role, with Barkat participating in the vote. Meiri accused Barkat of orchestrating a campaign against him, similar to one she allegedly led against another individual who did not intervene in a legal matter in her favor. Meiri vowed not to be deterred and to continue working to improve corporate governance and strengthen oversight within the association.