Former Israeli Footballer Avi Yehiel Returns as Owner of Hapoel Ramat Gan to Build Sustainable Club

Avi Yehiel, a former Israeli footballer known for his time at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, has transitioned from player to businessman and football club owner. After retiring from professional football in 2012, Yehiel moved to New York and worked in management at WeWork, the company founded by Adam Neumann. Following WeWork's collapse in 2019, Yehiel returned to Israeli football from a business perspective, initially serving as CEO of Hapoel Petah Tikva and since mid-last season becoming the owner of Hapoel Ramat Gan, which will compete in the Israeli Premier League this year.

Yehiel explains that his decision to own a smaller football club stems from his passion for the sport and the unique blend of community, adrenaline, and business it offers. He acknowledges the financial challenges of running a club outside the top-tier budget giants but aims to build a club capable of generating revenue and competing sustainably. The club's budget target for this season is around 30 million shekels, placing it mid-table in the league, with a goal to maintain Premier League status and rebuild the club’s legacy as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Yehiel is not the sole owner; he partners with a wealthy investor who prefers to remain anonymous, motivated by genuine love for the club rather than business exposure. Yehiel emphasizes the difficulties and headaches inherent in football club ownership but also the significant spiritual and economic rewards when successful.

Reflecting on his post-retirement career, Yehiel recounts his time at WeWork, describing the company’s rapid growth and eventual crash, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and prompted his return to Israel. He credits Adam Neumann with significant support during his tenure at Hapoel Petah Tikva but clarifies that Neumann is not involved with Hapoel Ramat Gan.

Yehiel also discusses the broader challenges facing Israeli football, including financial instability in some clubs and the increasing professionalism of the league. He expresses optimism about attracting foreign players despite regional conflicts and predicts Hapoel Ramat Gan will finish seventh this season, emphasizing ongoing work to elevate the club.

Summary: Avi Yehiel, former Israeli footballer and ex-WeWork manager, has become owner of Hapoel Ramat Gan, aiming to build a financially sustainable football club in Israel’s Premier League. Partnering with a private investor, Yehiel focuses on combining his passion for football with business acumen to revive the club as it marks its centennial year.

Points: - Avi Yehiel, ex-footballer and WeWork manager, now owns Hapoel Ramat Gan in Israel’s Premier League. - Yehiel partners with an anonymous wealthy investor motivated by love for the club. - The club targets a 30 million shekel budget to compete mid-table and maintain league status. - Yehiel views football ownership as challenging but rewarding spiritually and economically. - He reflects on WeWork’s rise and fall and his return to Israeli football management. - Yehiel predicts a seventh-place finish and stresses the need for professionalism and financial stability in Israeli football.

Topic: sports israel_relevant: true entities: {"people": ["Avi Yehiel", "Adam Neumann", "Adi Neumann"], "organizations": ["Hapoel Ramat Gan", "Hapoel Petah Tikva", "Maccabi Tel Aviv", "Hapoel Be'er Sheva", "WeWork"], "places": ["Israel", "New York"]}