Kobi Refaelov is close to returning to football in a surprising new project in Israel's lower divisions. According to reports, he is nearing appointment as professional director of Bnei Eilat in League B, a move that would make him one of the best-paid figures in the division's history.
The club is expected to be acquired by Ashkelon businessman David Vaturi, who is set to become owner of both the senior team and the youth department. Vaturi is negotiating through attorney Amir Cohen, who represents Refaelov and is finalizing what the report describes as an unusual deal by League B standards, part of an effort to restore the southern city club to prominence.
The offer reportedly includes a three-year contract and a salary of 400,000 shekels per year. Refaelov would also receive a hotel room at a five-star hotel for nights he needs to stay in Eilat, plus a car and fuel card. His authority would be broad, with responsibility for the entire club and the power to decide who the coach will be, making him the dominant figure in the organization.
The goal is promotion already this coming season. A source familiar with the talks said Refaelov is a “super professional” who views the project as a major challenge aimed at bringing Eilat to the top tier of Israeli football. If the agreement is signed, he is expected to shift much of his life to Eilat and may spend much of the week in the southern city. Refaelov is set to return to the game after a difficult period, having long refused to work anywhere outside the Premier League.
