MS Ashdod and Ironi Tiberias Owners Clash Over Match-Fixing Allegations

A heated exchange unfolded on Thursday between Jacky Ben Zaken, the influential figure at MS Ashdod, and Miki Beitan, the suspended owner of Ironi Tiberias, amid a match-fixing scandal. Ben Zaken protested against the involvement of MS Ashdod's name in accusations made by Tiberias officials and threatened to file a police complaint regarding the doping affair and related events. Beitan responded defiantly, accusing Ben Zaken of hypocrisy and an improper attempt to keep Ashdod in the top league, asserting that neither he nor Ironi Tiberias fears such legal action. He also denied ever mentioning Ben Zaken's name in the matter.

The controversy began after MS Ashdod collected evidence and submitted it to the Israel Football Association, prompting an investigation into the doping allegations. Beitan accused Ben Zaken of controlling the investigation and the entire incident with a heavy hand and deliberate obstruction. Ben Zaken warned that if Ashdod's name is again dragged into the issue, a formal police complaint will be filed.

Ben Zaken stated that Ashdod acted appropriately upon discovering the medical misconduct and illegal, unsporting behavior before their match, filing an official complaint with the football association to initiate an inquiry. Beitan dismissed attempts to link him to the case, calling them pathetic and unsustainable in any court. He accused those behind the complaint of political manipulation aimed at relegating a team off the field rather than through sporting results. Beitan concluded by advising Ben Zaken to focus on preparing his team for the next season in the second division and to stop sending what he called embarrassing pressure messages, ending with a firm directive not to contact him again.