Hapoel Petah Tikva Faces Technical Loss After Playing With 12 Players

Hapoel Petah Tikva is at risk of forfeiting their recent match with a technical loss after fielding 12 players simultaneously on the field during a game against Maccabi Netanya. The incident occurred during a substitution when the incoming player entered the field before the departing player, Ro'i Levi, had fully exited. For several minutes, the team played with an extra player without the referees or observer noticing.

According to the Football Association's regulations, fielding an illegal number of players is a serious offense that can result in disciplinary action, including a 3-0 technical loss. The association is expected to review the referee's and observer's reports to determine whether to bring the club before a disciplinary tribunal.

This situation brings to mind a similar incident from four years ago when Hapoel Jerusalem, under coach Ziv Arie, played with six foreign players simultaneously after a double substitution error. That mistake led to Hapoel Jerusalem receiving a 3-0 technical loss.