Israeli Football League Chair Demands Security License Revocations After Stadium Violence

Following a violent incident on August 5 at the Shlomo Insurance Stadium involving a small group of Hapoel Petah Tikva fans and two security guards, Erez Kalfon, chairman of the Israeli Football League Management, sent a strong letter to the Israel Police. Kalfon expressed shock at the serious event, calling it unacceptable and harmful to fan safety and public trust in stadium security.

He demanded a thorough investigation and full accountability for all involved. Additionally, Kalfon called for the immediate revocation of the security licenses of the two guards involved and their permanent ban from football stadiums, both as security personnel and spectators.

Beyond addressing this incident, Kalfon urged swift implementation of measures to strengthen the security system at football matches. These include expanding the pool of qualified security staff, recognizing security work at sports events as preferred employment, and allowing active-duty soldiers to work security at weekend games under an already approved arrangement. The goal is to professionalize and improve the effectiveness of stadium security across Israeli football venues.