National League Soccer Match Threatened With Cancellation Over Unpaid Stadium Fees
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
A National League soccer match between M.S. Kfar Qasem and Hapoel Afula is threatened with cancellation due to unpaid stadium fees. The Bat Yam stadium management issued a warning letter demanding immediate payment of NIS 32,250, including an outstanding debt and fees for the upcoming November 9, 2026 game. Kfar Qasem disputes the claims, citing owed deductions and damages caused by other teams, and believes the situation was disproportionately escalated.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A National League soccer match is threatened with cancellation over unpaid stadium fees.
- Kfar Qasem owes NIS 15,250 in back payments and NIS 17,000 for the upcoming game.
- The stadium management demands full payment within 24 hours or the match will be canceled.
- Kfar Qasem claims owed deductions and disputes responsibility for stadium damages.
- The club believes the dispute was disproportionately escalated by the stadium management.
A crucial National League soccer match between M.S. Kfar Qasem and Hapoel Afula, scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, is at risk of cancellation. This follows a warning letter sent to Kfar Qasem by the management of the Bat Yam stadium, which the team uses as its home ground. The stadium, managed by Felix Halfon through an association, is considered one of the best in the league. The association, represented by lawyer Ofri Cohen, claims Kfar Qasem has violated its lease agreement by failing to make timely payments for stadium usage.
According to the warning letter, the lease agreement signed on July 6, 2026, stipulates a fee of NIS 17,000 per game, payable 48 hours before each match. The association states that payments for two previous games on October 23 and October 26, 2026, totaling NIS 34,000, were not made on time. While the association allowed these games to proceed due to the club's circumstances, a partial payment of NIS 18,750 was only received on October 31, 2026, leaving an outstanding debt of NIS 15,250.
The stadium management has demanded that Kfar Qasem pay the outstanding debt of NIS 15,250 within 24 hours, along with an additional NIS 17,000 for the upcoming match on November 9, 2026. They also require proof of insurance and documentation regarding a claim filed with the Football Association for damages caused to the stadium during a previous match against Bnei Yehuda. Failure to meet these demands within the 24-hour window will result in the cancellation of the upcoming game, with Kfar Qasem bearing responsibility for any consequences.
M.S. Kfar Qasem responded by stating that they have met their payment obligations for the past three years and that the current situation is not a full reflection of the facts. The club claims it is owed deductions for fines imposed by the league due to stadium deficiencies, such as the condition of the pitch and facilities. They also argue that they should not be held responsible for damages caused by Bnei Yehuda fans, and that the circumstances and responsibility for these damages need to be investigated. The club believes that publicizing the issue and issuing a warning letter for a debt of approximately NIS 15,000, just before a home game, is disproportionate. Kfar Qasem intended to make the payment on Sunday and suggested the matter could have been resolved amicably without escalating to the media, which could affect their preparation for the match. The club is working to resolve the issue according to the agreements and expects a transparent accounting that includes all obligations, deductions, and claims from both sides.
Mentioned
