Ironi Tiberias Player Describes Police Investigation Into Club's Finances

Dozens of current and former players of the Israeli football club Ironi Tiberias were summoned to the police on Monday for questioning as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities and double contracts. The probe, codenamed "Mirror Image," is being conducted by the Lahav 433 anti-fraud unit and follows the arrest of four individuals, including Arie Kalmanzon, Miki Beitan, Eliran Hodada, and Yael Bar, on suspicion of serious economic offenses.

A current player, speaking anonymously to Sport 5, described the experience as "very disturbing" and "looking bad." He noted that the investigation, which covers the last four years, felt significantly larger than a similar scandal involving double contracts from the previous season. "Dozens of players were brought in, more than half the team," he stated, adding that individuals he didn't even know had played for Tiberias were also summoned.

The player recounted a two-to-three-hour interrogation where investigators reviewed his contract, salary deposits, and any benefits like apartments or cars. He emphasized that the players felt they were innocent bystanders, simply wanting to play football and not involved in the club's financial dealings. "We are just players, we have nothing to steal," he said, explaining that they typically sign a net contract and leave the complexities of payroll and tax deductions to the club management.

Despite the ongoing investigation and the freezing of the club's bank accounts, the players received their last month's salary. However, the player expressed concern about the future, hoping they would not have to find new teams in January. "It's very disturbing and it looks bad," he admitted, "but we have no choice, this is our job."