Israeli Football Association Proposes New Penalties for Matches Stopped Due to Fan Violence

The Israeli Football Association (IFA) is set to discuss significant changes to disciplinary regulations concerning matches that are stopped or canceled due to fan disturbances. These proposals, expected to take effect in the upcoming season, aim to preserve sporting decisions on the field while ensuring effective deterrence and disciplinary enforcement.

The initiative follows the establishment of a dedicated committee after several incidents last season where matches were canceled or ended prematurely due to fan violence, including the chaotic events at the Sammy Ofer Stadium and the Tel Aviv derby. The committee conducted a comprehensive review of domestic and international cases, consulted club representatives, legal experts, and referees, and formulated recommendations now presented to the IFA management.

Key proposed changes include defaulting to replaying matches without spectators if a game is canceled before starting due to fan misconduct, with exceptions at the disciplinary court's discretion. For matches stopped during play, a replay continuation without fans is also the default, considering the circumstances and score at stoppage. If away fans cause the disruption, the replay will exclude away supporters, and the visiting team will bear the costs.

Disciplinary proceedings will be expedited, occurring within 48 hours of the match cancellation. Point deductions for fan-related disruptions will increase from one to two points, though teams may convert one deducted point to a conditional penalty if they prove they took substantial measures against offending fans. Additionally, bans on selling tickets to away fans will not be served twice against the same opponent but postponed to the next relevant match. Notably, such bans will not apply during the second round of the upper playoff if the teams involved are ranked first and second before the game, often considered the "match of the season."