Ironi Tiberias Vows to Promote Youth Players Amid Point Deduction Threat

Ironi Tiberias football club continues to grapple with disciplinary proceedings related to contract irregularities. On July 22, the club withdrew its appeal at the Supreme Court of the Israel Football Association after receiving assurances from the association's prosecutor that formal charges would be filed soon. While relegation is not currently considered, a points deduction is possible and would be added to the six points already deducted in connection with the dual contract scandal.

Following the hearing, club officials expressed determination to see the process through, stating that if even a single point is deducted, they will field youth players and allow any player wishing to leave to do so. Owner Aryeh Kalmanzon, who attended the hearing, described the session as a positive step and noted that the judges declined to postpone the case despite the club's request.

The club faces a challenging start to the season, hosting Bnei Sakhnin in the Toto Cup on Saturday with a severely depleted squad. Only two foreign players, Chris Kouakou and Ondrej Bach, will be available, as four players remain suspended and head coach Eliran Hudeda is also absent. Additionally, new signing Gal Ma'atok will not play due to unresolved compensation issues with his former club, Maccabi Petah Tikva. Youth department technical manager Morris Ozen will serve as interim coach for one month.

Despite the turmoil, Ironi Tiberias successfully passed the financial oversight committee with a budget of 21 million shekels for the upcoming season, an increase of 3 million from last year. Player salaries will account for approximately 13.5 million shekels.