Kobi Refua is returning to football in an unusual and ambitious project in Israel’s lower leagues. He has been appointed sporting director of Bnei Eilat, a Liga Bet club, and the terms of the deal reportedly make him one of the highest earners in the division’s history.
According to the report, Ashkelon businessman David Vaturi is expected to become the club’s owner, taking control of both the senior team and the youth department. Vaturi handled the talks with attorney Amir Cohen, Refua’s representative, and the agreement was designed to bring the southern club back into prominence.
Refua signed a three-year contract worth 400,000 shekels per year. The package also includes a room in a five-star hotel when he needs to stay overnight in Eilat, plus a car and fuel card. He will be responsible for the entire club, with all professional decisions flowing through him, and he will effectively be the most dominant figure at the organization.
The immediate target is promotion this coming season. Refua will also decide who the coach will be. After years in which he refused to work outside the Premier League, he is now taking on a major project in a lower division. One source familiar with the details said, “Kobi Refua is a super professional,” and described the job as a major mission to lift Eilat toward the top of Israeli football. He is expected to spend much of the week in the city.
