Ironi Tiberias Owner Claims Season Ruined Amid Unproven Suspensions and Rivalry Accusations

Arie Kalmanzon, owner of Ironi Tiberias football club, expressed deep frustration in an exclusive interview with Sport Channel following a disciplinary hearing at the Israel Football Association. The hearing ended with the association's prosecutor, Gilad Bergman, announcing plans to file formal charges, while Tiberias' representative, lawyer Eyal Yafe, withdrew the club's appeal. Kalmanzon condemned the suspensions of four key players, the coach, and a scout, emphasizing that no evidence was presented to prove any wrongdoing. "All the evidence we have shows they did nothing wrong," he said, adding that the suspensions have destroyed the team's training and prevented signing new players due to fears of relegation by multiple leagues. He lamented that the club's significant investment has been wasted.

Addressing allegations related to player guarantees, Kalmanzon stated there is no proof of illegal activity. He compared the situation to Maccabi Netanya, which also had guarantees but admitted to them without facing similar public backlash. Kalmanzon criticized the disproportionate media attention on Tiberias, suggesting that the club's perceived weaker status makes it an easier target. He accused certain parties of having an interest in another team being promoted at Tiberias' expense and claimed that some individuals are interfering improperly in the matter. Kalmanzon stressed that key figures like Shani and Gilad Bergman should not be involved in investigative roles.

The controversy has cast a shadow over Ironi Tiberias' season and raised questions about fairness and transparency in Israeli football's disciplinary processes. The club now faces an uncertain future as the association moves forward with formal charges.