Israel Football Association Demands Coach Ran Ben Shimon's Dismissal

Following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League, senior officials within the Israel Football Association and its Professional Committee are calling for the immediate dismissal of national team coach Ran Ben Shimon. The team is expected to return to Israel on Monday, and the association aims to appoint a new coach before the Euro qualifiers begin in March.

The team's collapse in Debrecen, where they conceded three goals in 11 minutes during the first half, was described as a "national humiliation" by association officials, particularly given prior hostile statements from the Irish side. This loss, against what is considered a mediocre Irish team, follows a weak World Cup qualifying campaign where the Israeli defense conceded 17 goals.

"Our expectation was that Ben Shimon himself would announce his resignation," a senior official from the Professional Committee stated. "Against Ireland, it wasn't just a sporting defeat, it was a humiliation for every Israeli and Jew after what the Irish said about us. The approach under Ben Shimon is poor, this is a very weak team."

Ben Shimon, who was appointed as a default choice after Barak Bakhar declined the position, has expressed confidence in his relationship with the management. However, alongside the sharp professional criticism, financial considerations are also significant. Ben Shimon has a contract until the end of the Euro qualifiers, with the support of Association Chairman Shino Zuarz and his deputy Moran Mairi, and is set to earn approximately 2.2 million shekels in 2025 as the national team coach.

With mounting pressure, the association's leadership must now decide whether to continue the expensive contract or make an immediate change on the sidelines.