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

Oren Hasson, chairman of Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club and former head of the Israeli Basketball Association, is determined to remove CEO Tzahi Rikhnstein, according to an exclusive report 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 Rikhnstein as part of a broader effort to consolidate control over the club following its recent growth.

Hasson brought in new employees who reportedly mocked and undermined club owner Ofer Yanai, creating a hostile work environment. Rikhnstein responded by initiating disciplinary hearings and ordering the dismissal of these new hires. Despite this, Hasson pressured Yanai to fire Rikhnstein, demanding a Zoom hearing and his removal. Yanai, who holds Rikhnstein to a two-year contract, opposed the move and assured sponsors and senior fans that Rikhnstein would remain in his position.

The situation has sparked significant controversy within the club, with sponsors like Idan Palda publicly backing Rikhnstein. Yanai emphasized that Rikhnstein and Hasson must learn to cooperate moving forward. The internal conflict highlights ongoing tensions over leadership and control within Hapoel Tel Aviv as it prepares for the upcoming season.