Israeli Football Officials Seek Coach's Dismissal After Humiliating Loss

Senior figures within the Israeli Football Association and its Professional Committee are reportedly planning to demand the dismissal of national team coach Ran Ben Shimon upon the team's return to Israel next Monday. This move comes after a string of poor performances, culminating in a recent 3-0 defeat to Ireland, which officials described as a "national humiliation." The decision to seek Ben Shimon's termination stems from the team's weak showing in the Nations League and World Cup qualifiers, where their defense ranked 49th in Europe. Despite a contract extending through the Euro 2028 qualifiers, a clause stipulated his departure if the team failed to reach the championship. Initially, the Association's chairman, Shino Zuarz, and his deputy, Moran Meiri, supported Ben Shimon, especially given a clause allowing him to finish fourth in a group with weaker European teams. However, the recent performance against Ireland, described as a "national humiliation" particularly in light of anti-Israel rhetoric from the Irish side, has shifted the sentiment. Concerns were raised about the team's preparation, game management, and a disastrous start against Ireland, conceding three goals within the first 11 minutes. Some officials had hoped Ben Shimon would resign voluntarily, with one stating, "Yesterday against Ireland was not just a sporting defeat, it was a humiliation for every Israeli and Jew." Ben Shimon himself acknowledged his future rests with the Association's leadership, stating, "I am in excellent relations with those who manage all of this, they will decide what happens to me." The push for his dismissal aims to install a new coach for the upcoming Euro qualifiers in March.