Hapoel Tel Aviv Owner Accuses Maccabi Tel Aviv of Bugging Player's Apartment Amid Rivalry

The rivalry between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv escalated on Sunday when Hapoel owner Ofer Yanai accused Maccabi of placing listening devices in the apartment of Maccabi forward Oshae Brissett. The dispute began after Walla Sports editor Dror Hoffman commented that if Brissett remains with Maccabi, the team will be well-covered at the third position. Yanai responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a brief remark suggesting Brissett might transfer to the Serbian club Partizan.

The exchange intensified when Maccabi co-owner Arik Stillman questioned Yanai about player Yam Madar, who reportedly refused to extend his contract with Hapoel. Yanai replied by claiming he had better information about Maccabi's player than Stillman did, adding that despite Maccabi allegedly installing surveillance equipment in Brissett's apartment to monitor his conversations, Stillman seemed unaware of this. Yanai sarcastically suggested that Stillman should be better informed.

This public confrontation highlights the deepening tensions between the two Tel Aviv basketball clubs, with accusations of espionage and player contract disputes fueling the conflict. The situation remains dynamic as both teams prepare for the upcoming season.