Hapoel Ironi Tiberias Faces Financial Scandal, Multiple Arrests
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Hapoel Ironi Tiberias owner Arie Kalmanzon and three others were arrested in a major financial investigation involving tens of millions of shekels over four seasons. The probe by Lahav 433 includes allegations of money laundering and fraud, adding to the club's history of scandals. Dozens of current and former players are expected to give testimony as the club, currently last in the league, faces potential dissolution.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Ironi Tiberias owner Arie Kalmanzon and three others were arrested in a major financial investigation.
- The probe alleges financial offenses totaling tens of millions of shekels over four seasons.
- Suspected crimes include money laundering, fraud, and failure to report salary payments.
- Dozens of current and former players are expected to provide testimony.
- The club has faced multiple previous scandals, including contract and doping issues.
- Tiberias is currently last in the Premier League and faces potential dissolution.
Hapoel Ironi Tiberias is reeling from the exposure of a major financial scandal, leading to the arrest of its owner, Arie Kalmanzon, along with former partner Miki Beitan, the team's former coach Eliran Khodida, and financial officer Yael Bar. The investigation, conducted secretly for months by Lahav 433, alleges serious financial offenses spanning four seasons and involving tens of millions of shekels. Suspected crimes include money laundering, fraud, and failure to report salary payments to tax authorities.
This latest crisis follows a series of previous issues for the club. In November 2025, a double contract affair led to Beitan's seven-year ban from the club and a 14-point deduction for Tiberias over two seasons. Four months prior, an investigation into banned substances and transfers resulted in suspensions for key players and the coach.
Adding to the turmoil, a dispute between Kalmanzon and Beitan over club control and bank account signing rights led to the freezing of the club's accounts and the appointment of an external trustee. The current investigation, however, is considered potentially more severe than previous incidents.
Numerous players who played for Tiberias in the last four seasons have already provided testimony, with dozens more expected to do so. Players expressed shock and despair, with one stating, "This is just a delusion. How many times can one team be in the negative headlines? This club's path to collapse is paved. There is immense uncertainty, and it seems the dissolution of this team is inevitable."
The club's professional staff plans to speak with the players to help them focus on football amidst the ongoing distractions. The repeated scandals are seen as significantly damaging the team's professional standing, image, and administrative stability. Tiberias is currently last in the Premier League with one point and is scheduled to host Maccabi Netanya on Saturday.
Superintendent Orit Choter Cohen, head of investigations in the sports bribery and gambling unit, stated that the new unit within Lahav 433 is working to combat criminal activity that harms the integrity of Israeli sports. The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with the Tax Authority and the Diamond Unit.
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