Ironi Tiberias Faces Severe Sanctions Amid Doping Scandal and Points Deduction Threat

Ironi Tiberias endured a tumultuous summer following a double contracts scandal that led to an eight-point deduction last season and an additional six-point penalty for the upcoming season. The club is now embroiled in a doping controversy, with suspicions that players received intravenous infusions far exceeding the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 100 ml limit before a crucial match against M.S. Ashdod. The alleged amount was reportedly eight times the permitted volume, casting serious doubts on the club's future.

The doping case has shaken Israeli football, with Ashdod pushing for a delayed season start to potentially alter relegation outcomes. Club owner Aryeh Kalmanzon claims the club is being unfairly targeted and insists on fighting to keep Tiberias in the top league. Meanwhile, coach Eliran Hodeda, who led the team to promotion and two successful seasons in the Premier League, faces a heavy suspension. Moti Krispel is currently acting as head coach while the club searches for an experienced replacement.

The squad is also affected, with five players suspended, including Guy Hadida, David Kaltins, Eddie Gottlieb, Yonatan Teper, and Sambinia. Teper’s contract is not being renewed, but the club hopes the others will return soon. New signings include Ari Cohen (on loan from Hapoel Tel Aviv), Bar Cohen (returning from Azerbaijan), Samir Farhoud (from Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Kayes Ganem (from Sheriff Tiraspol), Gad Amos (from Hapoel Tel Aviv), and Mansour Badji (returning from Maccabi Jaffa).

Kalmanzon criticized the Israel Football Association for unequal treatment compared to other clubs, citing media bias and premature sanctions that damaged the club’s sponsors and training facilities. He expressed confidence that as long as the team remains in the Premier League, it will be a victory despite efforts to relegate them. Kalmanzon also revealed a legal dispute with his former partner Miki Beitan, who was suspended amid investigations into their company.

Regarding the home stadium, Kalmanzon anticipates moving in by January but did not guarantee the date. He called on fans to support the club amid these challenges, warning that without their backing, Ironi Tiberias might cease to exist. The club’s transfer window remains closed until January due to previous sanctions, complicating preparations for the new season, which starts with a six-point deficit, making survival in the top tier highly uncertain.