Israeli Football Association's Professional Committee Lacks Football Expertise

A significant portion of the Israeli Football Association's Professional Committee, responsible for approving key appointments like the national team coach, lacks current involvement in Israeli football. Out of the 12 members, five are not currently active in official football roles: Einav Hazanvald, Sharon Nisano, Moshe Damayo, Eli Drix, and Muhammad Abu Al-Aam. The committee's stated purpose is to handle the professional and sporting aspects of managing the sport, often serving as a basis for administrative decisions and promoting professional standards among teams and personnel.

The committee's responsibilities, as outlined on the association's website, include organizing league and cup competitions, approving schedules, addressing team requests regarding matches, monitoring sensitive games, coordinating with referees and coaches' associations, and initiating professional development plans. The committee's composition is determined by the management and typically includes former players and coaches who have represented Israel.

Despite its crucial role, the lack of current football engagement among half of its members raises questions about its effectiveness in making decisions impacting the future of Israeli football. The remaining members include committee chairman Shin Zuarz, Maccabi Haifa CEO Itzik Ovadia, Hapoel Beersheba owner Alona Barkat, Hapoel Jerusalem professional director Kfir Edri, and Beit Shemesh Jerusalem CEO Moran Mairi, and Moran Mairi, Deputy Chairman of the Association.