Tiberias Football Club Threatens Legal Action Over Football Association Spokesman’s Comments

Tiberias Football Club has sent a formal warning letter to the Israeli Football Association (IFA) ahead of potential legal proceedings, responding to remarks made by the association’s spokesman, Shlomi Barzel. The dispute centers on Barzel’s public comments regarding a disciplinary process opened against the club. Tiberias denies the allegations attributed to it and insists it will defend itself fully in court.

The club accuses Barzel of prejudging the case by publicly condemning Tiberias before any formal hearing took place. In a statement attached to the letter, the club criticized Barzel for abandoning his role as a neutral spokesperson, instead acting as judge and commentator. They cited his media appearances, including on Channel 5’s “5 BaAvir,” where he allegedly presented a one-sided narrative, distorted facts, and refused to share the club’s perspective.

Barzel reportedly compared Tiberias to "a fish caught in a net struggling to escape" and likened the club to a "criminal organization" trying to protect its members. He also referenced severe sanctions such as a 14-point deduction, transfer bans, and a seven-year suspension of an official, expressing support for even harsher penalties. Tiberias argues these statements undermine the presumption of innocence and could bias the disciplinary tribunal.

The club demands the IFA clarify whether Barzel’s comments represent the association’s official stance, issue a public statement affirming Tiberias’s innocence, and instruct Barzel to retract and disavow his remarks explicitly. They have requested a response from the IFA by the day before the scheduled court hearing. The case highlights tensions between the club and the football governing body amid ongoing disciplinary proceedings.