Israeli Football Chief Condemns Pogon Szczecin Owner as Racist Ahead of Match

Ahead of the Europa Conference League match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Pogon Szczecin scheduled for 19:00, Shino Zoharcz, chairman of the Israel Football Association, sharply criticized Pogon's owner, Alex Haditaghi. Following a provocative post by Haditaghi, Zoharcz announced he instructed the association's legal department to file an official complaint against him with UEFA. Zoharcz described the post as "disgusting, distorted, and inciting," labeling Haditaghi "a racist, ignorant, hypocrite, and arsonist." He emphasized that there is no place for such individuals in football and expressed confidence UEFA would take appropriate action.

The Israel Football Association also responded directly on social media, calling Haditaghi "a dark, ignorant, and hateful person" and apologizing to others who are strangely considered similar to him. The association criticized Haditaghi for omitting references to Iran's corrupt regime and its atrocities, including the fate of Jews in Katowice during the Holocaust. The statement concluded by affirming unity behind Hapoel Tel Aviv's success and resilience against such negativity.

This incident highlights tensions surrounding the upcoming match and the broader context of sportsmanship and political sensitivity in European football competitions.