Israeli Football Players and Staff Suspended Amid Doping Investigation

On July 5, 2026, the Israeli National Anti-Doping Agency announced the temporary suspension of several players and staff from Ironi Tiberias football club amid a doping investigation. The suspended individuals include players David Kaltins, Guy Hadida, Niv Gottlieb, Kendo Mamdo Samba, Yonatan Teper, coach Eliran Hodeda, technical manager Chen Sol, and fitness coach Shlomi Vardado. This suspension follows suspicions of doping violations and is a standard procedure under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, pending further hearings or investigations.

The suspended parties have been summoned for administrative hearings where they can present their defense. These hearings are not trials but part of the process before a formal tribunal under the anti-doping agency, which can impose suspensions of up to four years. This tribunal operates independently from the Israeli Football Association's disciplinary court, where the association's prosecutor Gilad Bergman may also press charges.

Such doping-related proceedings can last weeks or months, during which the accused are barred from participating in sports activities. The agency aims to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure fairness for clean athletes and uphold sports integrity. Initially, there was consideration to hold the trial abroad, but it was decided to conduct it in Israel to allow the accused to present their case in Hebrew.

The case's outcome remains uncertain, but the suspensions mark a significant development in the ongoing doping allegations against Ironi Tiberias players and staff.