Maccabi Tel Aviv Sponsor Slams Sport Channel Over Game Coverage

Businessman Arik Shtilman, founder and CEO of fintech company Rapid, a major sponsor of Maccabi Tel Aviv, has publicly accused the Sport Channel of ignoring significant events during the team's recent game against Hapoel Jerusalem. Shtilman, writing on his X account, questioned the credibility of the Sport Channel, which is owned by the Recanati family, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of coverage for incidents during the game, contrasting it with previous coverage of protests against former owner Dani Federman.

The game, which Maccabi Tel Aviv lost 82-77 at home, was marked by tension in the stands, with some Maccabi fans protesting against the team's ownership and calling for a sale. Meanwhile, Hapoel Jerusalem fans complained about strict security checks and a net installed around their section.

Shtilman's criticism follows a pattern, as he previously stated in an interview that his communication with the Sport Channel ceased entirely on July 7th, after the Recanati family exercised their right of first refusal to purchase Federman's shares in Maccabi Tel Aviv. He claimed they have not spoken to him since that date.

In the same interview, Shtilman praised colleague Ofer Yanai as a model for swift decision-making and investment in quality players. When asked to choose between Yanai and Hapoel Jerusalem owner Matan Adelson for managing a business, Shtilman opted for Yanai, citing his extensive experience and business achievements.