Eyal Berkovich Nears Ownership of Israeli Football Club Hapoel Nof HaGalil

Eyal Berkovich, a former Israeli football star and experienced club owner and manager, is close to acquiring ownership of Hapoel Nof HaGalil, a club recently relegated to Liga Alef. Berkovich has previously owned Hapoel Nesher and served as a professional manager at several clubs including Maccabi Netanya and Hapoel Tel Aviv. The deal, first revealed by Sport 5 on July 9, 2026, is in advanced stages with key agreements reached between Berkovich and Gil Baram, the current influential figure and former player at Nof HaGalil. The transaction is now in the legal drafting phase, pending final approval from Ronen Plot, the mayor of Nof HaGalil, who must endorse the agreement publicly and within the municipality.

The negotiations have sparked controversy locally, with some opposing the new ownership model and Baram’s continued influence. These opponents prefer a different management approach without Baram’s involvement and are reportedly attempting to block the deal. This marks the third time Berkovich has approached ownership of Nof HaGalil; previous attempts failed due to the club’s financial deficits. Baram has committed to clearing all past debts during the current break, promising Berkovich a debt-free club and control over the youth division.

A significant figure in the deal is Nir Berkovich, Eyal’s brother, who is expected to become the team’s coach if the agreement is finalized. Nir, who struggled to secure coaching roles last season and was dismissed early from Hapoel Ra'anana, has previously worked with Eyal in managerial and coaching roles at Nesher, Rishon LeZion, and Ra'anana. Eyal Berkovich plans to invest around one million shekels annually from sponsors and personal funds, reducing the financial burden on the municipality, which currently allocates over three million shekels yearly to the club.

Despite the club’s recent relegation and instability marked by three coaching changes this season, Baram remains as CEO and is expected to continue in that role under Berkovich’s ownership. The club retains contracts with key players, including captain Yevgeni Berkman and Ohad Rabinovich, with Berkovich set to decide on future roster and budget adjustments. The mayor has long advocated for private ownership of the club and previously attempted mergers with nearby cities, but Nof HaGalil remains under Baram’s leadership.

The deal’s completion is imminent but not guaranteed, as opponents continue to resist and the mayor’s final approval is crucial due to public funding involvement. If successful, this move will mark Berkovich’s significant return to Israeli football ownership and management, with his brother coaching and the club aiming to regain its status in higher leagues.