Disciplinary Hearing Opens in Tiberias Football Club Case Amid Tensions

The first hearing in the disciplinary case involving Hapoel Ironi Tiberias football club commenced on Wednesday at the Israel Football Association's tribunal. The club expressed optimism, claiming possession of undisclosed information they argue has been selectively presented to the public. They emphasized their legal team includes top criminal lawyer Zion Amir, who joined attorney Eyal Yaffe in representing the club. Gilad Bergman acted as the prosecutor for the association, while the panel consisted of Noam Liubin, Sarit Levitan, and Khaled Hakrush. Ephraim Barak represented the suspended players, and Jacky Ben Zaken, a key figure from M.S. Ashdod, attended as an observer.

During the preliminary hearing, Liubin clarified it was an initial procedural session to outline the case and plan subsequent hearings. Bergman urged for swift proceedings, citing the upcoming league season and the need to expedite evidence presentation. In contrast, Amir stressed the necessity for a thorough and careful process, highlighting that the defense had only recently received some investigation materials and lacked crucial details such as witness lists and full evidence documentation. He criticized the prosecution for incomplete disclosures and warned against rushing the case.

Tensions escalated when a dispute arose between Amir and Ashdod's lawyer Noa Milshtein, leading to a brief recess. Upon resumption, Liubin admonished Amir for his conduct but allowed the hearing to continue. Amir described Tiberias as a financially limited club and underscored the complexity of the case, referencing over 1,000 pages of transcripts requiring detailed review. Bergman noted additional evidence had been added to the indictment and promised to provide further details as requested.

The tribunal ordered the defense to submit by Thursday a list of missing investigation materials, with the prosecution to respond within a day. The hearing highlighted the procedural challenges and the high stakes as the football season approaches, with both sides preparing for a protracted legal battle.