Bizarre Reason Delays Decision on Hapoel Petah Tikva Player Controversy
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The Israel Football Association will delay a decision on Hapoel Petah Tikva fielding 12 players during a crucial penalty kick. The club faces charges, but the tribunal cannot convene this week due to scheduled concerts at the stadium housing its offices. Maccabi Netanya has requested a technical loss for their opponent, citing league rules. The IFA acknowledges the unusual circumstances and potential referee responsibility.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Petah Tikva faces charges for allegedly fielding 12 players during a penalty kick, leading to a 1-1 tie.
- A ruling on the Hapoel Petah Tikva incident is delayed because the IFA tribunal cannot meet this week.
- Concerts by artists at Ramat Gan Stadium are preventing the tribunal from convening.
- Maccabi Netanya has filed a formal complaint demanding a technical loss for Hapoel Petah Tikva.
- The IFA prosecutor will charge the club for fielding an ineligible player.
- The tribunal has discretion to consider surrounding circumstances and potential referee responsibility.
The Israel Football Association's legal department received a match report detailing an incident where Hapoel Petah Tikva allegedly fielded 12 players during a penalty kick by Maor Levy, which tied the game 1-1 in stoppage time against Maccabi Netanya. The association's prosecutor, Gilad Bergman, intends to charge the club for fielding an ineligible player. However, a ruling will not be made this week because the IFA's tribunal will not convene. The reason for the delay is that artists are scheduled to perform at Ramat Gan Stadium, which houses the IFA offices and tribunal.
Maccabi Netanya has filed a formal complaint, demanding a technical loss for Hapoel Petah Tikva based on league regulations. While the rules clearly state that fielding an extra player results in a technical loss, the presiding judge has discretion to consider surrounding circumstances, acknowledging that the officiating crew may also bear significant responsibility. The IFA is aware of past precedents.
The disciplinary regulations do not permit ignoring an unsportsmanlike advantage, even if brief. Therefore, the circumstances surrounding the dramatic event will influence the disciplinary committee's decision. The tribunal is expected to summon the head referee and the fourth official, Yigal Fried. It may also call Hapoel Petah Tikva's team manager, Eliran Bernstein, and the player, Roi Levi, who was supposed to be substituted but remained on the field. "An interesting and unprecedented event in the top league," stated the IFA's legal department.
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