Polish Club Owner Condemns Israeli Team as Genocidal Ahead of Conference League Match

Ahead of the Conference League third qualifying round match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Poland's Katowice on August 12, the Iranian owner of another Polish club, Pogon Szczecin, sparked controversy with a provocative social media post. Alex Haditaghi accused Hapoel Tel Aviv of representing "the Israeli state committing genocide" and called on Katowice players to "play with rage" and "liberate Palestine." He condemned Israel's actions as occupation and mass killing, urging the Polish team to embody the hopes of millions affected by the conflict.

Haditaghi's post described Zionism as "evil" and rejected any legitimacy for UEFA competitions involving Israel, stating that occupation and genocide cannot be legitimized by football matches. He ended by invoking support from millions worldwide and Poland's spectators to inspire Katowice.

The Israeli Football Association chairman, Shinu Zohar, responded angrily, labeling the post as racist, ignorant, hypocritical, and incendiary. He announced that the association's legal department would file an official complaint with UEFA against Haditaghi. Zohar emphasized that there is no place in football for such hateful rhetoric and expressed support for Hapoel Tel Aviv's success in the tournament.

The match is set to take place on the evening of August 12, with heightened tensions due to the inflammatory statements. The Israeli Football Association is pursuing disciplinary action through UEFA channels to address the incident.

Summary: The Iranian owner of Polish club Pogon Szczecin accused Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv of genocide in a social media post before their Conference League match against Katowice, prompting an official complaint from the Israeli Football Association to UEFA.