Frej Appeals Football Association Election Results, Cites Irregularities
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Issawi Frej is appealing to the Football Court, claiming irregularities and pressure influenced the election for the chairman of the Israeli Football Association. Frej alleges that clubs supporting him were coerced into withdrawing their support for his candidacy, which he believes was manipulated to favor opponent Shino Zouaretz. Frej stated he knows he won't win but seeks a public discussion on Israeli football's democratic process. The association's legal advisor 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, citing alleged coercion and irregularities.
- Frej claims clubs were pressured to withdraw support, preventing a fair election against Shino Zouaretz.
- Frej stated he knows he cannot win but seeks a public discussion on Israeli football's democratic process.
- Frej's lawyer argued that the election was effectively decided by disqualifying candidates and alleged pressure.
- The association's legal advisor stated Frej did not meet the required 10% support threshold.
Issawi Frej, a candidate for chairman of the Israeli Football Association, has appealed to the Football Court, alleging irregularities in the election process. Frej claims he met the threshold of 127 points, representing 10% of the votes, with 151 points from supporting clubs, but the association only approved 94 points. He asserts that many clubs were pressured to withdraw their support or switch allegiance to his opponent, Shino Zouaretz.
Frej detailed instances where clubs like Young Tamra, Musmus, Arava, Abu Snan, and Hod Hasharon initially signed in support of his candidacy but later rescinded their support or signed for Zouaretz under alleged duress. He presented evidence, including signed forms and SMS messages, to support his claims of undue influence and manipulation aimed at preventing his candidacy.
"I know I will not be the chairman of the 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," Frej stated, emphasizing his desire for a public discussion on the state of Israeli football. He argued that the process was not a genuine election but a campaign to block his candidacy.
Frej's lawyer, Avishai Ifargan, echoed these sentiments, stating that the election has effectively already occurred due to the disqualification of the second candidate and the overwhelming support Zouaretz garnered. Ifargan argued that the association's regulations do not permit blocking candidates and that secret balloting should apply at all stages, including candidate nominations. He urged the court to order new elections.
The association's legal advisor, Boaz City, countered that while there is no objection to elections, the regulations require a candidate to secure 10% of the support, a threshold Frej factually did not meet according to the association's count. Professor Miguel Deutsch acknowledged the importance of the matter but highlighted the factual disputes that need to be addressed.
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