Ex-Footballer Eyal Berkovich Fined for Defamation
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Israeli footballer and media personality Eyal Berkovich will pay 51,000 shekels to footballer Tzlal Hatukha following a defamation lawsuit. Berkovich had publicly questioned Hatukha's integrity and suggested match-fixing after a goal conceded in May 2021. Hatukha denied the allegations, and an investigation reportedly cleared him. The court ruling, based on a settlement, includes legal fees.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Eyal Berkovich must pay Tzlal Hatukha 51,000 shekels in a defamation case.
- Berkovich questioned Hatukha's integrity and suggested match-fixing in May 2021.
- The incident involved a goal conceded by Hatukha, leading to Hapoel Petah Tikva's relegation.
- Hatukha denied allegations and cited an investigation clearing him of match-fixing.
- The ruling was made by the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court.
- The settlement included legal costs and fees.
Former footballer and media personality Eyal Berkovich has been ordered to pay 51,000 shekels to footballer Tzlal Hatukha in a defamation lawsuit. The ruling by the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court stems from comments Berkovich made in May 2021, casting doubt on Hatukha's integrity and suggesting match-fixing.
The case originated when Hatukha, then a goalkeeper for MS Kafr Qasim, conceded a goal in the 90th minute of a match against Hapoel Umm al-Fahm. This goal led to the relegation of Hapoel Petah Tikva, Berkovich's former club, to a lower league. Hatukha faced public accusations and threats, with fans claiming he did not try to prevent the goal. Hatukha and his representatives stated the ball's trajectory was altered by a wall.
Berkovich, who was the professional manager for Hapoel Petah Tikva at the time, publicly questioned the integrity of the match and Hatukha's honesty during a broadcast. He stated, "I want them to investigate the goal from Kafr Qasim," and added, "All these games are fixed." He also described the goal as "smelly" and mocked the goalkeeper's reaction.
Hatukha filed a 300,000 shekel defamation suit, represented by lawyers Roy Rosen and Mohammad Rizka. He argued Berkovich's statements damaged his professional reputation and implied involvement in match-fixing, noting Berkovich's personal interest in the match outcomes. The suit also cited an investigation by the Football Association that reportedly cleared Hatukha of match-fixing allegations. It was also claimed that Hapoel Petah Tikva fans considered offering Hatukha money to keep a clean sheet, but this did not materialize.
Berkovich, represented by lawyers Ronen Reingold and Ori Bast, argued his comments were legitimate professional criticism and opinion within the context of sports commentary, where harsher language is sometimes used. The parties agreed to have Judge Ronit Pinchuk-Alt decide the compensation within a pre-set range of 40,000 to 80,000 shekels. The judge ultimately awarded Hatukha 51,000 shekels, inclusive of legal costs.