Hapoel Haifa Freezes Transfer Plans Amid Financial Dispute Over Debt Repayment

Following a court ruling in the Kiryat Haim case that imposed a substantial fine on Hapoel Haifa, the club is now facing financial difficulties that have forced it to halt its player transfer activities. The club owes 1.8 million shekels and has been unable to reach an agreement with the Israeli Labor Federation (Histadrut) on spreading out the debt payments. As a result, funds initially allocated for new player acquisitions will be redirected to cover this debt.

Hapoel Haifa's management has made it clear that they do not intend to forfeit the debt but are seeking a payment plan. The club has even proposed guarantors to assist in resolving the issue, with senior officials from the Israel Football Association involved in efforts to find a solution. So far, under coach Haim Silvas, the team 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.

Eli Rak, the club's CEO, told Sport 5, "There are reasonable people at the Histadrut, and we are trying to engage in dialogue with them to free up budget for strengthening the team. I really hope they understand the urgency of the situation." The club's transfer freeze reflects the financial strain following the court's decision and ongoing negotiations with the labor federation.