Zoertz Set for Another Term as Football Association Chairman After Frej Disqualified

Shino Zoertz is the sole candidate for the upcoming four-year term as Chairman of the Football Association, the organization announced Monday evening. Former Knesset Member Issawi Frej, who challenged Zoertz, failed to secure the required level of support and will not advance.

According to the association's official protocol, Zoertz garnered 1,070 votes of support out of a possible 1,277, approximately 83.7%. Frej received only 94 votes, about 7.3%. The association's bylaws mandate that candidates must present support from groups holding at least 10% of the voting rights, a threshold Frej did not meet.

The association clarified that support letters from both candidates were reviewed, with invalid, duplicate, or canceled letters being disqualified. Consequently, only Zoertz's candidacy will proceed to the committee for vetting.

Zoertz, who enjoys support from various centers and clubs, is expected to continue in his role for another term, as was widely anticipated. A response from Frej's office called the disqualification "illegal" and a disruption of a democratic election process. They questioned the timing of the official announcement, which came about 20 hours after a similar figure was leaked, suggesting the result might have been tailored to the leak. Frej's team stated they submitted signatures representing 150 points, 56 more than indicated by the association, and criticized the association for concealing the identities of clubs whose support for Frej was disqualified.

Frej's representatives further argued that the high participation rate in this preliminary stage, intended solely to approve candidacies, indicated an actual election had taken place. They raised concerns about the process being managed by association employees subordinate to the current leadership, some of whom were appointed by it, while association members were also competing. They highlighted the absence of an election committee and the lack of adherence to the principle of secret ballots, which they deem essential for a free and democratic process.

Frej's office concluded by declaring the association's decision illegal and invalid, announcing their intention to pursue legal action to overturn it and ensure fair and democratic elections for the Football Association chairmanship.