WADA Proposes Reduced Plea Deal in Ironi Tiberias Doping Case Amid Controversy

The hearing phase in the doping allegations against Ironi Tiberias football club began on July 9, 2026, with the club revealing that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has retreated from its main accusation. According to the club, WADA offered a reduced plea deal to the professional staff after a medical opinion showed players received only about 45 milliliters of saline solution, significantly below the 100 milliliters threshold considered a violation. Consequently, the original charge of committing a doping offense was dropped and replaced with a lesser charge of "attempted offense."

Ironi Tiberias representatives, including staff members Eliran Hodeda and Chen Sol, rejected the offer outright, calling the proposed charge unprecedented and weak, aimed merely at allowing WADA to back down. They emphasized that medical evidence proved no banned substances were involved, no procedural violations occurred, and no sporting advantage was gained. The club also accused rival team M.S. Ashdod of exerting unfair external pressure to harm Tiberias after Ashdod was relegated.

The club stated it remains confident in its innocence despite ongoing pressures and threats aimed at altering players’ original testimonies. They expressed trust in the judicial system to recognize the absurdity of WADA’s conduct. Earlier reports indicated that Hodeda admitted during the hearing to initiating the saline infusions, which complicates the club’s position since players received infusions from a one-liter saline container. Football Association officials are expected to recommend Hodeda accept the plea deal, which could result in a suspension of one to two years if he takes responsibility.

This development marks a significant shift in the doping case, with the focus now on the reduced charge and the club’s firm denial of wrongdoing amid allegations of rival interference.