Former Owner Eyal Segal Shows Loyalty by Buying Season Tickets for Maccabi Netanya Fans

Despite a positive start to the season, Maccabi Netanya's season ticket sales are lagging behind last year's pace, with only 2,300 sold as of August 4, 2026. The club had hoped that the arrival of player Dolev Haziza would boost fan engagement, but this has yet to materialize. In contrast to the slow sales, former club owner Eyal Segal purchased seven season tickets himself. Segal declined offers for premium seats reserved for officials and former players, choosing instead to sit with the passionate fan section, reflecting his enduring connection to the club.

Segal is credited with rescuing Maccabi Netanya from financial collapse nine years ago, investing approximately 40 million shekels of his own money to restore the club's status in Israeli football. Although he faced criticism during recent years when the team underperformed, his dedication to the club remains unquestioned.

On the sporting front, striker Basem Za'arura, who scored seven goals in his last ten appearances, is set to return to the starting lineup for the crucial upcoming match against Hapoel Petah Tikva. A win is essential for Maccabi Netanya to keep hopes alive for advancing to the next stage. Defender Alon Azugi, who suffered a shoulder injury in a recent loss to Hapoel Ramat Gan, has a minor subluxation and is expected to return after the next game. Captain Karam Jaber will also be back in the starting eleven, replacing Azugi, while Dor Hugy, who was benched in the last match due to defensive substitutions, is expected to start.