Tiberias Football Staff Claim Owner Initiated Player Infusions Amid Doping Investigation

Following the National Anti-Doping Agency's indictment of Ironi Tiberias coach Eliran Hodeda and technical manager Chen Sol, new details from their interrogations have emerged. The agency demands a suspension ranging from four years up to a lifetime ban for both individuals. Hodeda stated that the infusions given to players were initiated by the club owner, Miki Beitan, who expressed concern over the players' fatigue during an intense period with games every 3-4 days over one to two months. Beitan suggested using infusions, a practice common in the United States and elsewhere, to help players recover.

Hodeda said he sought to verify the legality of the infusions and asked Sol to consult with then-fitness coach Shlomi Vadraro, who reportedly approved the practice. However, Vadraro contradicted this claim in his own testimony. In his interrogation, Sol distanced himself from responsibility, stating he only followed instructions and lacked medical authority. He confirmed ordering saline solutions but admitted he chose quantities based on cost rather than medical guidance. Sol also mentioned that attempts to perform the infusions in a hospital were unsuccessful, leading to the involvement of a volunteer paramedic named Yossi.

The revelations highlight internal disagreements and raise questions about the legality and ethics of the infusions administered to players. The case remains under investigation, with potential severe sanctions pending from the anti-doping authorities.