Hapoel Haifa Freezes Transfer Plans Amid Debt Dispute with Football Association

Following a court ruling in the Kiryat Haim case that imposed a significant fine on Hapoel Haifa, the club is now facing financial difficulties. The team has a debt of 1.8 million shekels, which the Israeli Football Association has refused to allow the club to spread out in payments. As a result, Hapoel Haifa has frozen its transfer activities and halted plans to sign new players for the upcoming season.

The club's CEO, Itay Rak, told Sport 5 that they are negotiating with the Football Association to free up budget funds for player acquisitions. He expressed hope that the association understands the urgency of the situation. Hapoel Haifa is not seeking to cancel the debt but is requesting a payment plan, offering guarantors to support the arrangement. Senior officials within the Football Association are reportedly involved in trying to find a resolution.

So far, under coach Haim Silvas, the club has signed eight players and aims to add at least two foreign players in midfield and attack before their training camp in Bulgaria next week. However, the financial constraints caused by the unresolved debt issue have forced the club to redirect funds originally intended for transfers toward settling the debt.