Frej Appeals Football Association Election Results, Cites Irregularities
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Issawi Frej is appealing the Football Association election results, claiming irregularities and pressure on clubs to support rival Shino Zouaretz. Frej alleges his candidacy was unfairly disqualified despite securing enough support points. His lawyer argues the election process was compromised, preventing fair competition. The Football Association maintains Frej did not meet the required support threshold.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Issawi Frej is appealing the Football Association election results due to alleged irregularities.
- Frej claims he secured enough support points but many were disqualified by the Association.
- He alleges clubs were pressured to withdraw support and sign with rival Shino Zouaretz.
- Frej's lawyer argues the election process was manipulated and calls for new elections.
- The Football Association states Frej did not meet the required 10% support threshold.
Issawi Frej, a candidate for the chairmanship of the Football Association, has appealed to the Football Court, alleging irregularities in the election process. Frej claims he secured sufficient support forms to run for the position, having gathered 151 "points" from clubs, exceeding the required 127 points (10% of the total votes). However, he states that the Association later approved only 94 of his points, with many being disqualified or canceled.
Frej presented evidence of alleged pressure on clubs to withdraw their support and sign with his rival, Shino Zouaretz. He cited examples of clubs like Tamra, Musmus, Arava, Abu Snan, and Hod Hasharon, whose support forms were allegedly canceled or switched to Zouaretz under duress or after meetings with his representatives. Frej expressed his belief that the election was manipulated to prevent competition, stating, "I know I will not be chairman of the Football Association, there is no chance against Shino Zouaretz, but as a person who lives in Israeli society and it is very important to me, I want democracy. It is important to me to hold a public discussion about Israeli football. They are preventing us from holding a discussion about the state of football."
Frej's lawyer, Avishai Ifargan, argued that the election has effectively already occurred due to the disqualification of candidates and the overwhelming support for Zouaretz. He contended that the Association's regulations do not permit blocking candidates and that secret balloting should apply at all stages, including the nomination process. Ifargan urged the court to order new elections, regardless of the outcome.
The Football Association's legal advisor, Boaz City, stated that the Association does not oppose elections but maintains that Frej did not meet the 10% support threshold according to the regulations. Professor Miguel Deutsch acknowledged the importance of the matter but highlighted the factual disputes involved.