Dia Saba to Remain with Turkish Club, Opts Out of Israel National Team

Israeli midfielder Dia Saba will continue his career with Turkish club Adanaspor for another season, following a mutual decision with the Israeli Football Association to end his national team tenure. The move comes amid sensitivities surrounding Saba's participation in the Israeli team while playing in Turkey, a situation also affecting fellow Israeli player Ramzi Safouri. Saba, 34, is a key player for Adanaspor, currently leading the Kurdish-majority region's team to first place in the Turkish league. He has already scored three goals in the first six matches, including a recent game-winner against Besiktas.

Saba's contract includes an automatic renewal for an additional season if he reaches 25 appearances, a milestone he is expected to achieve. His current salary is €1.3 million per season, rising to €1.5 million with bonuses, making him one of Israel's highest-earning footballers abroad. The contract renewal will maintain his current financial terms unless upgraded based on his performance by the end of the season.

Sources close to Saba explained that playing for the Israeli national team could jeopardize his standing and career in Turkey, especially given his popularity in Diyarbakir. They emphasized his need to consider his future and that his role in the national team, not being a guaranteed starter, made the decision easier. Saba himself has avoided interviews in Israel to prevent potential negative repercussions in Turkey.

Israeli national team coach Ran Ben Shimon acknowledged the complexity, stating the team needs players fully committed with a clear mind. He explained that if a player must worry about how a national team call-up might affect their club future, it is not ideal, leading to the mutual decision for Saba to step away.

In separate news, the Israeli League Administration upheld a ₪10,000 fine against Maccabi Tel Aviv for an "provocative" goal celebration by player Ohad Davida against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Maccabi Tel Aviv had protested the fine, even threatening legal action, but the administration insisted the behavior damaged the league's image and risked escalating tensions.

Additionally, tensions persist between Beitar Jerusalem player Yarden Shua and coach Almog Cohen. Despite an official statement from Beitar denying a rift, sources indicate ongoing issues, with Cohen benching Shua in recent games. Beitar maintains that coaching decisions are purely professional and not influenced by external pressure.