Tiberias Owners Defend Players Amid Controversy Over Alleged Illegal IV Infusions

The Tiberias football club is grappling with ongoing fallout from allegations of illegal intravenous infusions given to players, which has cast a shadow over their preparations for the 2026/27 season. Club owner Aryeh Kalmanzon addressed the issue in an interview with Sport 5, rejecting accusations that players were coached to lie during investigations and criticizing the handling of the inquiry. He stated that no one from the authorities has contacted the club directly and dismissed claims from Ashdod that 100 milliliters of saline solution could save them from relegation to the National League.

Kalmanzon explained that the infusions lasted between 7 to 12 minutes at a slow drip rate, delivering about 3 milliliters per minute, making it impossible to reach the prohibited quantities alleged by Ashdod. He noted that only six players received infusions, not 14 as claimed, and two stopped immediately due to bleeding, leaving four players who all gave consistent accounts. He accused investigators of trying to pressure players into changing their testimonies, citing one player who was held for two hours, shouted at, threatened, and polygraphed but maintained his version, which Kalmanzon said confirms their truthfulness.

The club owner emphasized that no banned substances were used, only saline solution, and questioned why a high-profile lawyer was needed to file a complaint with the football association, suggesting it was a tactic to pressure the prosecution. Kalmanzon also highlighted the significant professional and financial damage the investigation has caused, including difficulties with sponsors, season ticket holders, and recruiting new players. Despite these challenges, Tiberias continues to prepare for the season, with new additions to the squad and coaching staff, including fitness coach Ehud Ben Shoshan from M.S. Ashdod and new player Chris Kouakou from Ivory Coast. Eli Belilati, whose contract ended, did not participate in the opening training session. The club also plans to sign another Israeli defender alongside Gal Ma'atok, who joined from Maccabi Petah Tikva.