Maccabi Netanya Awaits League Ruling on Hapoel Petah Tikva, Prepares for Kiryat Shmona

Maccabi Netanya is awaiting a disciplinary decision regarding Hapoel Petah Tikva's use of an ineligible player in their recent 1-1 draw. The club is confident that the league's tribunal will rule in their favor, likely resulting in a technical loss for Hapoel Petah Tikva, as they believe any other outcome would set a problematic precedent.

Professionally, Netanya dominated possession in their last match, holding the ball more than in any other game over the past five years, yet failed to secure a win. Despite creating chances, notably through Bassam Zraor, and displaying intelligent play up to the opponent's penalty area, the team lacked a finishing touch. This has led to a disappointing start to the season, with only 6 points from a possible 18 under coach Roni Levy.

On a more positive note, Netanya's defense has shown improvement, the team's tempo is higher, and new foreign signings like Olivier Verdon, Isaac de Lima, Ayalon Almog, and Gabriel Simon have added significant depth. Giorgi Morozov was unavailable for the last game, with Amit Cohen and Beni Feldman filling in at right-back. The club anticipates a stronger squad once Maor Levy recovers from injury and Dolev Haziza regains full fitness.

Haziza is expected to return to the squad for the upcoming match against Kiryat Shmona, meaning another player will be left out of the 20-man roster, joining Omri Shamir and Morozov in the stands. Meanwhile, the club continues its search for a new CEO, with Ross Kassin reportedly approaching potential candidates, including an industry outsider who declined the offer, and another individual abroad who was also unsuccessful. Kassin is determined to find a suitable replacement for Gil Lev.

Separately, an incident occurred where a fan alleged that a stadium steward assaulted him. The event was filmed and reported to both the League Management and the police. Player Alon Azugi commented on the team's performance, stating, "In terms of football, we are playing good football. Unfortunately, there was bad luck and the ball didn't go in. I believe in our team and everyone here. I have no doubt we will look better. Against Kiryat Shmona too, you will see a team that wants to control and be a winning team. Against teams that defend more, it's harder to create chances, but we will work on being more creative."