Maccabi Tel Aviv Ownership Dispute Escalates with Legal Filing

Richard Deytz, owner of VR Capital Group, has filed an urgent request for temporary relief with the Tel Aviv District Court's economic department. The filing, submitted by Deytz's legal team, aims to halt recent actions by the Rekanati family and Shimon Mizrahi. Deytz alleges these moves are intended to alter the club's ownership structure and power balance before ongoing disputes are resolved through arbitration and before Jason Levien's status is finalized.

The core of the dispute revolves around approximately 9% of Maccabi Tel Aviv's shares. These shares were offered by a company controlled by Ben Ashkenazi to Levien on September 2, 2026, for $18 million. Deytz's filing highlights an apparent agreement in principle to appoint Adv. Israel (Rely) Leshem as arbitrator, with preliminary steps already taken.

Deytz's representatives stated that the situation is absurd, as Rekanati and Mizrahi, who previously sought to sell shares to Levien, are now positioning themselves as buyers of the same shares. Deytz argues this would reduce the number of shares VR Capital Group can acquire under its existing right of first refusal.

Furthermore, Deytz questions the economic logic, noting that the Rekanati-controlled company initially sought to sell shares at a club valuation of approximately $172 million, but now appears to be acquiring shares at a valuation closer to $200 million. Deytz contends that the timing and connection between these transactions indicate a single, coordinated effort to reshape the club's ownership before the arbitration process concludes.

The request seeks court intervention to prevent the transfer or distribution of shares, changes in ownership registration, and the granting of voting, management, or economic rights. Deytz also wants to freeze previous actions related to the transfer of shares to Levien.