Court Halts Seizure of Bank Guarantees for Hapoel Tiberias

A temporary court order has halted the seizure of 1.3 million shekels in bank guarantees for the Hapoel Tiberias football club, following an urgent request from the club's owner, Arieh Kalmanzon. The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court issued the interim injunction after the club's budget control and trustee, Adv. Liza Hadash, moved to execute the guarantees. Kalmanzon's associates claim the attempt to seize the guarantees was motivated by personal reasons, stemming from public criticism he leveled against the club's management. These allegations were raised within the legal proceedings and have not been substantiated by the court.

A hearing on the matter, with both parties present, is scheduled for November 23. The court noted that an interim order was warranted "given the claims that special circumstances exist due to extraneous considerations in the execution of the guarantees." However, this is a temporary measure and not a final ruling on the dispute.

The club, however, argues that halting the seizure of guarantees delays salary payments to players and staff. In an official statement, Hapoel Dorot Tiberias stated that player and staff salaries were submitted on time for processing through the guarantee funds. The club insists on the seizure of guarantees and the prompt payment of all salaries. Kalmanzon also announced his intention to terminate the contract with the leasing company that provides vehicles to the club.

The club's trustee and the Mayor of Tiberias, Yossi Nabeh, are working together to find solutions, prioritizing salary payments, player and staff rights, and the club's continued operation. They emphasize that the welfare of the players, staff, and the club's future are paramount, and all parties are acting responsibly to ensure the team's stability and professional activity.