Iranian Owner Launches Antisemitic Attack Against Hapoel Tel Aviv Ahead of Conference League Match

Alex Haditaghi, an Iranian-Canadian businessman and owner of Polish top-league club Pogon Szczecin, posted a vehement antisemitic message on social media ahead of his team's Conference League qualifier against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 19:00 in Poland as part of the second qualifying round's second leg. Haditaghi, who took control of Pogon Szczecin in March 2025, used the sporting event to launch harsh criticism against Israel and Hapoel Tel Aviv, accusing the club of representing an "evil Zionist regime" and calling Israel a state committing genocide and land theft.

In his post, Haditaghi urged Polish players to channel their anger and pain into the game, making every tackle, sprint, and goal a statement, concluding with "Free Palestine, long live Iran." This inflammatory rhetoric follows previous incidents where Haditaghi refused to negotiate transfers with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, equating business dealings with them to cooperating with the Nazi regime.

Hapoel Tel Aviv arrives in Poland in strong form after a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Hungary, with goals from Omri Altman and Chico. The team, coached by Eliniv Berda, aims to secure a spot in the playoff round against Italian side Atalanta. Despite the hostile atmosphere stirred by Haditaghi's statements, Hapoel Tel Aviv seeks to respond with a strong sporting performance, demonstrating resilience against political provocations.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of antisemitism and political tensions intersecting with European football, particularly involving Israeli teams and Iranian figures. The match will test both teams on the field amid a charged backdrop of political hostility.