Givatayim Mayor Accuses Hapoel Ramat Gan of Severing Ties and Rejecting Cooperation

Ran Konik, mayor of Givatayim, publicly accused Hapoel Ramat Gan football club of unilaterally ending their partnership with the city, resulting in the club dropping "Givatayim" from its official name. In a Facebook post on August 5, 2026, Konik condemned the club's owner, Hanan Salanson, for abandoning an annual support package worth about 2 million shekels, which included 850,000 shekels in direct funding and use of the Beit Sheret stadium valued at approximately 1.2 million shekels.

Konik explained that the Israel Football Association had allowed the club to apply in July for a name change to include Givatayim, following his intervention with the association's chairman and deputy chairman. However, the club did not submit the application by the deadline, and the name change was never officially approved. Konik called the club's claim that the name was added "a blatant lie" and confirmed he verified the facts with the football association.

In response, Hapoel Ramat Gan stated that it was Givatayim municipality that chose not to participate in the club, describing the city’s attitude as uncooperative and cold despite the club’s efforts to maintain collaboration. The club’s official name was reverted to "Hapoel Ramat Gan," removing the Givatayim affiliation.

This dispute highlights tensions between the club and the city over financial support and branding, with the mayor wishing the club success despite the fallout. The situation remains unresolved as the football season approaches.