Givatayim Mayor Accuses Hapoel Ramat Gan of Severing Ties Over 2 Million Shekels

Ran Konik, the 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 forfeiting an annual support package valued at approximately 2 million shekels, which included 850,000 shekels in direct funding and the use of the Beit Sheret stadium valued at about 1.2 million shekels.

Konik explained that the Israel Football Association had granted a special temporary permission in July to allow the club to apply for a name change to include "Givatayim." However, the club did not submit the application within the allowed timeframe, leading Konik to label the club's claim that the name was officially changed as a "blatant lie." He wished the club success despite the dispute.

In response, Hapoel Ramat Gan stated that it was Givatayim municipality that chose to withdraw from the collaboration, describing the city’s attitude as uncooperative and cold, which hindered any efforts to maintain the partnership. The club’s official name was changed from "Hapoel Ramat Gan Givatayim" to simply "Hapoel Ramat Gan." This public disagreement highlights tensions between the club and the city over financial and administrative cooperation.