Referees Union Rejects Club Attempts to Influence Match Officials

The Israeli Referees Association has strongly criticized Maccabi Haifa following their claims after a 3-2 victory over Ironi Tiberias. The association expressed surprise at the club's request, submitted shortly before Yom Kippur, to prevent a specific VAR (video assistant referee) official from officiating their future matches. A source within the association stated, "It's baffling that at this timing, before Yom Kippur, they would send a request not to assign the VAR referee to their games anymore, while simultaneously asking professionally why decisions were made."

The union declared that it is becoming an "unacceptable trend" for clubs to request the disqualification of referees. "They should focus on football and not on criticism that has no connection to reality. Clubs will not determine who referees and who sits as a VAR official," another source from the association attacked. This firm stance was reiterated in recent meetings by the union's chairman, Giora Inbar, who fully backs the professional committee in carrying out its duties.

Meanwhile, Israeli referees continue to receive assignments in European competitions, where they are reportedly receiving high marks. Last week, referee Yigal Fried officiated for the first time in the Europa League. This morning, an Israeli refereeing team led by David Foxman is heading to San Marino to officiate a match in the Euro 2027 U21 qualifiers, accompanied by assistant referees Guy Klepper and Mati Yaakobov, and fourth official Dekel Tziono.