Bnei Yehuda Ordered to Pay Coach Kobi Refua 45,000 Shekels After Dispute

Bnei Yehuda football club will pay coach Kobi Refua 45,000 shekels within 30 days following an arbitration ruling related to his dismissal. The dispute arose after a video surfaced showing Eliran Oved shouting at Refua during a match break in a heavy defeat against Hapoel Tel Aviv, which sparked controversy in Israeli football. Refua claimed his firing was handled unfairly and involved humiliation, leading him to take legal action against the club. The parties eventually agreed to arbitration, which ruled in favor of Refua, imposing a financial penalty on Bnei Yehuda.

Refua's lawyer, Amir Cohen, praised the arbitration decision, emphasizing that paying out a contract does not justify disrespectful or abusive treatment of an employee. Cohen stated that the ruling sends a clear message that proper conduct, including a fair hearing and respectful treatment, is a legal and moral obligation for employers in Israel. The arbitration highlights the necessity for clubs to uphold dignity and fairness in their dealings with staff.