Givatayim Demands Hapoel Ramat Gan Return Municipal Funds After Partnership Ends

The city of Givatayim has formally demanded that Hapoel Ramat Gan football club return funds received from the municipality following the termination of their partnership. The dispute arose after the club unilaterally ended the cooperation and officially changed its name from "Hapoel Ramat Gan Givatayim" to "Hapoel Ramat Gan," as announced by Givatayim Mayor Ran Konik a week ago.

Givatayim sent an official letter to Moshe Barkat, CEO of the club, insisting on the repayment of the financial support provided by the city. The letter emphasized that despite clear agreements and efforts by the mayor to include "Givatayim" in the club's official name, the club refused to comply for reasons undisclosed. The Football Association had also confirmed the possibility of adding the city's name.

The municipality stated that due to the club's refusal, it will no longer receive the financial backing intended for a club representing Givatayim, including in its official registered name. Consequently, the club is required to immediately return the municipal support funds allocated for the current year. This development continues the ongoing saga between Hapoel Ramat Gan and Givatayim following their split.