Ironi Rehovot Forms Unified Football Club for 2026/27 Season in Liga Alef South

Ironi Rehovot will establish a single football club for the 2026/27 season, competing in Liga Alef South, replacing Ironi Marmorek's position in the league structure. The historic agreement, obtained by Sport 5, was signed by the legendary clubs Maccabi Sha'arayim and Ironi Marmorek, and will be valid for three years during which neither club can terminate it. After this period, the Rehovot municipality alone will decide whether to continue for an additional year.

The new club will be managed by a dedicated private association, with Sha'arayim and Marmorek continuing independently in Liga Gimel. Meanwhile, the veteran Maccabi Rehovot will oversee women's, youth, and girls' football activities. The unified club will play home matches at the municipal stadium and train at the Science Park, while Sha'arayim will train at the Weissgal synthetic grass field. Youth teams will compete under the Ironi Rehovot name.

The association will appoint a CEO responsible for hiring the senior team coach. In case of disputes unresolved by the parties, the director of the Rehovot municipal sports department, Benny Ben Zaken, will make the final decision. Revenues from any senior team player transfers will belong to the managing body of the senior club. All official communications will use the Ironi Rehovot brand, emphasizing youth and school football programs.

The club will operate on an approved budget, including external funding sources. Should the club advance to higher leagues, the unique association will cover the increased costs, including the registration fee differences for youth teams compared to the first season. This move aims to consolidate football resources in Rehovot and strengthen the city's football presence.