Hapoel Tel Aviv Chairman Pushes to Oust CEO Amid Internal Power Struggle

Oren Hasson, chairman of Hapoel Tel Aviv and former head of the Israeli Football Association, is determined to remove the club's CEO, Tzachi Rikenstein, as revealed by Sport 5 on July 30, 2026. Hasson joined the club near the end of the 2025/26 season with the goal of regaining fan support and improving coordination with the basketball association. However, he quickly targeted Rikenstein, aiming to take full control of the club's operations following recent successes.

Hasson brought in new employees who reportedly mocked and undermined club owner Ofer Yanai, creating a hostile work environment. Rikenstein responded by initiating hearings to dismiss these new hires, but Hasson countered by demanding a hearing for Rikenstein himself and called for his dismissal via Zoom. Yanai, who holds Rikenstein under contract for two more years, opposed the CEO's removal and communicated to sponsors and senior fans that Rikenstein would remain in his position.

The conflict sparked backlash from sponsors, including Idan Palda, who supports Rikenstein. Yanai emphasized that both Rikenstein and Hasson must learn to cooperate moving forward. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Hapoel Tel Aviv's management as they navigate leadership and control issues.