Former Minister Issawi Freij Runs for Israeli Football Association Presidency

Issawi Freij, a former Israeli minister and sports advocate, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Israeli Football Association in the upcoming elections. He will lead an independent list, with Liad Ilani, former deputy and acting mayor of Ramat Gan and current city council member, as his running mate. Despite their entry into the race, the Football Association expects Freij's chances of winning to be low, with the Hapoel Center likely backing the incumbent chairman, Shino Zuaratz.

Freij previously chaired M.S. Kafr Qasim, led the Knesset Sports Lobby, and served as Minister for Regional Cooperation. He initiated projects aimed at strengthening inter-community ties through football. Ilani has held portfolios for sports and education in Ramat Gan, spearheading significant efforts to advance municipal sports, develop facilities, and support local clubs and athletes.

In his official statement, Freij emphasized football's role as a unifying language across diverse populations and sectors in Israel, especially amid societal divisions. He pledged to restore professionalism, transparency, and public trust to the Football Association, aiming to elevate Israeli football to qualify for World Cups and European Championships rather than merely watching them on television. Freij also promised to leverage his experience to bring European football matches back to Israel and ensure that all Toto and Winner funds are invested in youth, coaches, infrastructure, and clubs to build a professional and successful football environment that fosters social cohesion.