Basketball Association Sued for NIS 1 Million Over Alleged Discrimination

A lawsuit has been filed against the Israel Basketball Association, its Chairman of the Referees Association Assi Shalom, and Director of the Central District Nir Segal, by former employee Sigal Biton. Biton, who served for 11 years as a secretariat referee and as deputy director of the Central District since 2021, is seeking approximately NIS 1 million in compensation. In her lawsuit, Biton claims she was subjected to a series of professional and personal harassment and abuse by her superiors, leading to her dismissal in September 2025.

The core of the lawsuit focuses on the conduct of Nir Segal, Biton's direct supervisor. The lawsuit includes correspondence where Segal allegedly wrote to Biton, "You are at the lowest level," "Mrs. Tragedy, you are," "Has Alzheimer's returned?" and made remarks like "Do you have it colder? Ashkenazi woman." An audio message also included states, "You are in your 50s, you don't know how to make a simple decision?" Biton asserts these statements created a humiliating and dismissive work environment.

According to the lawsuit, in July 2025, Segal emailed senior association officials, accusing Biton of "assigning referees without common sense," struggling to understand instructions, and "inventing situations." He requested that Ron Glazer be appointed in her place, which subsequently occurred. The lawsuit also targets Assi Shalom for allegedly failing to address Biton's complaints. Biton claims her remarks were cut short during a disciplinary hearing, where she was told, "The lady doesn't know who her boss is."

Biton further alleges gender discrimination, stating she was the only woman serving as deputy director of a district and that her dismissal was intended to maintain a male-dominated management structure. She claims her stated desire to resign was a result of pressure exerted during the hearing. Based on these allegations, Biton is seeking damages for wrongful termination, workplace abuse, defamation, and discrimination, along with the annulment of her dismissal.

The Israel Basketball Association and the Referees Association have vehemently denied all allegations, stating their detailed response will be submitted to the court. They noted that Biton was represented by the Histadrut labor union and her lawyers during the hearing, who did not raise such claims. The associations also pointed out that Biton had not previously complained of abuse, and her past grievances primarily concerned her assignments as a secretariat referee, emphasizing that her requests were always addressed professionally and respectfully.