Israeli FA probes alleged banned IV treatments at Tiberias

The Israel Football Association is investigating a complaint that several Ironi Tiberias players were given intravenous treatments containing banned substances in quantities far above the permitted limit before a lower playoffs match. The case could potentially lead to charges against the club and some of its players, although punishment in doping cases usually follows a postmatch positive test and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

According to the report, investigators are now reviewing collected material connected to the incident, including recordings, screenshots and other details that may support a prosecution. At this stage, the club says it has only heard rumors and has not been informed of the investigation or its findings.

Ironi Tiberias responded that coach Eliran Hodeda is currently on a family vacation abroad and will comment, if needed, after returning to Israel. The club said it fully backs Hodeda and believes any action taken, if any, was done lawfully and in accordance with regulations. It also urged the public not to judge based on media reports alone and said it will update if there are official developments.

The association said it received a formal complaint from lawyers for M.S. Ashdod regarding alleged use of forbidden IV treatments by Ironi Tiberias around the teams’ lower playoffs meeting. The matter is being handled by professional investigators, and the association said it cannot provide further details for now. It added that WADA has been informed.