Hapoel Petah Tikva Faces Technical Loss Over Player Eligibility

Hapoel Petah Tikva is likely to receive a technical loss following the use of an ineligible player in their 1-1 draw against Maccabi Netanya. The Disciplinary Court judges, Noam Livin and Nir Smogor, are expected to issue their decision early this week. Sources within the Football Association cautiously estimated that a technical loss would be imposed due to the proceedings.

Regardless of the Disciplinary Court's ruling, the case will be appealed to a higher court, the Supreme Court. Judge Livin, known for his strict adherence to rules, is expected to favor a harsh penalty. Judge Smogor, recently appointed, also appears inclined towards a strict interpretation of the regulations.

The situation at the Supreme Court could differ. If Judge Miguel Deutsch, who advocates for a rigid application of rules, sits on the panel, his stance might influence the outcome. However, Judge Assaf Hadasy, who prefers decisions made on the field even in cases of rule violations, cannot preside as he is a fan of Hapoel Petah Tikva. Judge Ortal Klein, if part of the panel, might rule against a technical loss based on her previous decisions.

Representatives from the clubs expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of Ran Nissan Cohen, Director of the Legal Department, who allegedly acted as an assistant to the prosecutor, communicating with him throughout the hearing. While Cohen is permitted to attend such hearings, some clubs feel the department's management has become overly involved, a departure from the tenure of former director Amir Navon. Cohen responded by stating he communicates with whomever he deems necessary for the benefit of the system and invited any objectors to contact him directly.