Ex-Footballer Eyal Berkovich Ordered to Pay $14,000 in Defamation Case

Former football player and media personality Eyal Berkovich has been ordered by the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court to pay 51,000 shekels (approximately $14,000) in damages to football goalkeeper Tzlal Hatokha. The ruling stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Hatokha after Berkovich publicly accused him of match-fixing in live broadcasts in 2021.

During a National League match, after Hatokha conceded a goal while playing for MS Kafr Qasim, Berkovich made several media appearances alleging the goal was fixed. He described the incident as a "smelly goal," claimed "all these games are fixed," and mockingly commented on Hatokha's save attempt. Berkovich, who was also the professional manager for Hapoel Petah Tikva, a rival team, called for a police investigation into the goal.

Hatokha, deeply affected by the accusations, sued Berkovich for 300,000 shekels. His lawsuit highlighted Berkovich's conflict of interest as a manager of a rival team. Furthermore, an investigation by the Football Association's inquiry company cleared Hatokha of any suspicion, even suggesting that fans of Petah Tikva had considered offering Hatokha an incentive to concede goals.

Berkovich's defense attorneys argued that his statements were protected opinion and legitimate commentary, characteristic of the often blunt style in sports talk shows. However, both parties agreed to have Judge Ronit Pinchuk-Alt rule on a settlement within a predetermined range of 40,000 to 80,000 shekels, avoiding a full evidentiary hearing.

Judge Pinchuk-Alt's decision mandates Berkovich to pay Hatokha 51,000 shekels, which includes legal expenses and attorney fees, concluding the high-profile dispute. The ruling was reported by "The Seventh Eye" website.