Hapoel Petah Tikva's '12th Man' Case Heads to Disciplinary Tribunal

The disciplinary tribunal of the Football Association will convene next Wednesday to discuss Hapoel Petah Tikva's use of an extra player during a match against Maccabi Netanya. The association's prosecutor, Gilead Bergman, has not specified a penalty, leaving the decision to the judges. It is highly probable that any ruling will be appealed to the Supreme Tribunal.

A similar incident occurred exactly one year prior, on October 8, 2025, involving former player Carlos Chocana. While playing for Maccabi Hashikma Ramat Hen against Gissin Football Club Petah Tikva in Liga Gimel, Chocana was injured in the 94th minute and treated off the field. Upon his return, he was mistakenly allowed back onto the pitch by the referees, becoming Maccabi Hashikma Ramat Hen's "12th player" for a few seconds. His team's bench quickly realized the error and signaled him off, as another player had already entered the game as a substitute. Despite Chocana not touching the ball or influencing play, Gissin Football Club Petah Tikva demanded a technical win. The disciplinary tribunal initially awarded them a technical victory due to Chocana's brief appearance as the 12th player.

Maccabi Hashikma Ramat Hen appealed this decision to the Supreme Tribunal. However, the appeal was ultimately rendered moot when both clubs reached a gentleman's agreement for a rematch, which the Supreme Tribunal did not oppose. The replay concluded in a 2-2 draw.

This past precedent could embolden Maccabi Netanya, which is seeking a technical win in the current case, given the tribunal's previous ruling. Conversely, Hapoel Petah Tikva might draw hope from the fact that the previous case did not end with a technical loss, as the clubs agreed to a rematch. Chocana himself commented that such brief appearances, without impacting the game and even with referee approval to return, should not result in a technical loss.