Maccabi Tel Aviv Ownership Dispute Moves to Mediation

The ownership dispute at Maccabi Tel Aviv is heading to arbitration, but the parties will first attempt to reach a mediated agreement. Richard Duits, one of the club's owners, released a statement outlining his perspective on the ongoing conflict. The court has clarified that Jason Levin's status as a shareholder, allegedly holding 7.5%, remains undecided. Furthermore, any attempts by Shimon Mizrahi and Udi Recanati to buy or sell Maccabi shares are frozen until the arbitration process concludes. Levin's effort to exercise a right of first refusal to purchase 9% of the shares for himself was definitively rejected.

Duits expressed his intention to approach the mediation process in good faith, emphasizing that any agreed-upon solution must adequately address the club's needs. He outlined fundamental requirements for the club's ownership structure and corporate governance, aiming to support Maccabi Tel Aviv's return to a leading position in the EuroLeague. This includes not only financial capability but also a commitment to organizational excellence. Duits stated that the 'ad hoc' management style, which has repeatedly hindered the club in the past decade, must be replaced by a professional and consistent approach in both business operations and sports-related work methods and conditions.

He hopes that if an effective agreement meeting these demands is reached through mediation, it will lead to the resolution of the conflict and a transition to more efficient club management. Duits also participated in a Zoom meeting of EuroLeague club owners, discussing the league's franchise model, expansion, and cooperation with the NBA. He noted that the Maccabi Tel Aviv ownership group is in agreement on these matters and is working together in their dealings with the EuroLeague, aligning with the majority of other clubs' positions.