Former Hapoel Tel Aviv Official Sues Club Over WhatsApp Firing

A lawsuit has been filed against the Hapoel Tel Aviv soccer club by Eran Atiya, who served briefly as the team's director of foreign relations. Atiya claims he was fired via a WhatsApp message without a hearing or prior notice, and is still owed wages for August. He is seeking compensation for damages to his reputation and for breach of contract.

According to the lawsuit, Atiya was approached by club owner Ofer Yanai while working at Bnei Ramat Gan and offered a position with Hapoel Tel Aviv. The initial agreement stipulated a gross monthly salary of NIS 45,000, a company car, and a phone. However, shortly after starting, Oren Chason allegedly told Atiya his salary would be reduced to NIS 35,000.

Atiya alleges that due to "personal changes" at the club, he was treated in bad faith and summarily dismissed via WhatsApp. He claims this occurred just before the holiday season, leaving him in a difficult position to find new employment, especially after leaving his previous senior role. The lawsuit also states that Hapoel Tel Aviv presented him with a termination agreement, demanding he sign it as a mutual separation, which he refuses to do.

Atiya's attorney, Rotem Zigdon, has proposed reaching a settlement to compensate for the alleged damages before proceeding with legal action. Hapoel Tel Aviv has not yet responded to the lawsuit.