Maccabi Netanya Faces Soccer Disciplinary Hearing Over Player Eligibility

Maccabi Netanya's CEO, Gil Lev, and the club's lawyers, Roi Rosen and Tal Shegev, are set to appear before the Football Association's disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday. The hearing will address a complaint filed by Netanya against Hapoel Petah Tikva (Hapoel P.T.) for allegedly fielding 12 players simultaneously during their recent 1-1 draw. Although Netanya is appearing as an interested party rather than the defendant, their legal team will be permitted to argue their case due to the complaint originating from the club. The tribunal will review numerous past cases of players being fielded improperly, which resulted in technical losses for the offending teams. Given the case's significance, two judges will preside over the proceedings, a departure from the usual single judge. In the event of a disagreement between the judges, the more lenient ruling will prevail, regardless of the judges' seniority.

Separately, player Maor Levy has spoken with coach Roni Levy and apologized for having 'liked' a post critical of the coach without realizing it. Levy has already faced a disciplinary committee for this action. A decision on whether Maor Levy will start in the upcoming away game against Ironi Tiberias is expected by the end of the week, but he is confirmed to be included in the squad.