Berkovich Criticizes Owner Shahar's Price for Maccabi Haifa
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Former Maccabi Haifa player Eyal Berkovich criticized owner Yaakov Shahar's reported $100 million asking price for the club. Berkovich suggested Shahar, who is using The Raine Group to find a buyer, should transfer the team as a labor of love rather than a commercial sale. While praising Shahar as the best owner, Berkovich called the valuation "infuriating." Shahar insists the club will only go to a capable buyer.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eyal Berkovich criticized owner Yaakov Shahar's $100 million asking price for Maccabi Haifa.
- Berkovich suggested Shahar should transfer the club as a labor of love, not for profit.
- Shahar is using The Raine Group to find a buyer for the Israeli football club.
- Berkovich called Shahar the best owner in Israeli football history.
- The former player found the $100 million valuation "infuriating."
Former Maccabi Haifa star Eyal Berkovich has voiced strong criticism regarding the reported $100 million asking price for the club, set by owner Yaakov Shahar. Shahar recently announced his intention to prepare for a post-ownership era by hiring international investment firm The Raine Group, sparking widespread speculation.
Berkovich, who has a history of contentious departures from the club, expressed disappointment not with Shahar's decision to sell, but with the commercial aspect of the potential transaction. Speaking on the "The Magician and His Sons" podcast, Berkovich suggested Shahar should have framed the move as "Yankele wants to transfer the team to someone suitable" rather than a sale.
Berkovich, who grew up in the club's system, argued that Maccabi Haifa is more than a business asset for Shahar, who he considers the club's best-ever owner. "The man is a billionaire, Maccabi Haifa is his life's work after all he's done in business. It's the thing he loves most in the world, his love. Why would he give it away for free? He got it for free," Berkovich stated, implying Shahar should not profit from it.
Despite his admiration for Shahar's tenure, Berkovich found the $100 million valuation "infuriating." Shahar has stated the club will only be transferred to a party capable of continuing its success, but the involvement of international intermediaries and the high price tag have unsettled even those close to the club.
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