Israeli Coach Turns Down High-Paying Cyprus Offer to Uphold Sabbath Observance
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Ironi Tiberias coach Moti Crispel turned down a lucrative offer from a top Cypriot club because it would have conflicted with his observance of the Sabbath. The 39-year-old coach, who has three children, including one with autism, has made religious observance a priority. He continues to coach in Israel, managing the challenges of game schedules and travel while upholding his principles.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Coach Moti Crispel rejected a high-paying job in Cyprus to observe the Sabbath.
- Crispel coaches the Israeli team Ironi Tiberias.
- His decision was influenced by his family's religious observance and a son's autism diagnosis.
- He faces scheduling challenges with games conflicting with the Sabbath.
- Crispel also runs private football training sessions in Israel.
Moti Crispel, the coach of Ironi Tiberias, revealed that he rejected a lucrative offer from a top Cypriot football club due to concerns about observing the Sabbath. The 39-year-old coach explained in an interview that the proposed salary in Cyprus was significantly higher than his current earnings in Tiberias, but the demands of professional football abroad would have made it difficult to maintain his religious observance.
Crispel, a father of three residing in Migdal HaEmek, detailed his journey in Israeli football, from playing in local youth leagues to coaching. His personal life took a significant turn when his middle son, Hadar, was diagnosed with autism at age three. This family challenge led Crispel and his wife, Liron, to increase their commitment to observing the Sabbath and eventually enroll their children in religious education.
The coach faces ongoing challenges in his current role, particularly with game schedules that often conflict with Sabbath hours. When Ironi Tiberias plays away games, especially against teams from the Arab sector, Crispel sometimes has to find accommodation near the stadium, occasionally walking up to 45 minutes to reach the venue. He has previously adopted similar practices, like renting lodging near stadiums and walking to them, even during his time in the National League.
The offer from Cyprus presented a major professional crossroads. Despite the opportunity for career advancement and a substantial salary increase, Crispel ultimately prioritized his religious principles. He continues to coach Ironi Tiberias while also running private football training sessions, expressing satisfaction with his chosen path and his commitment to advancing his coaching career while adhering to his values.
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