IDF Suspends Five Ironi Tiberias Players Amid Doping Investigation

The doping investigation involving Ironi Tiberias football club has escalated, leading the National Anti-Doping Agency to temporarily suspend five players and three staff members. The suspended players are David Kaltins, Guy Hadida, Niv Gottlieb, Kendo Mamdo Samba, and Yonatan Teper. Additionally, coach Eliran Hodeda, technical manager Chen Sol, and fitness coach Shlomi Vedardo were also suspended. The suspensions cover all club activities, including training sessions and friendly matches.

The players were surprised by the suspension notice, which followed shortly after they received summonses for hearings from the Anti-Doping Agency. In response, club owner Aryeh Kalmanzon sent a message to the players assuring them of full support, calling the suspension "a temporary and technical step" and accusing the agency of succumbing to intense pressure from Ashdod to intimidate the club into plea bargains. Kalmanzon emphasized that the club acted legally and possesses medical evidence to challenge the suspension, with lawyers preparing an urgent request to lift the ban and reinstate the players.

The suspension has already caused the cancellation of a scheduled friendly match against Hapoel Akko and cast doubt on a planned training camp in Poland costing 125,000 shekels. The club had arranged flights, accommodations, and kosher meals for the team and staff for the camp starting next Tuesday, raising concerns over significant financial losses. The ongoing investigation and suspensions also threaten the club's ability to sign new players and secure sponsorships.

Previously, Ironi Tiberias faced controversy over dual contracts during the last season, for which the club took responsibility to protect players from prosecution. Now, with players hiring lawyers to represent them, the club's next steps regarding the legal and sporting challenges remain to be seen. The club is seeking an expedited hearing to resolve the matter swiftly.