Former Kiryat Shmona Player Demands Championship Bonus for Promotion in Legal First

Noam Cohen, a former player of Ironi Kiryat Shmona, is seeking a significant bonus from the club for winning a championship, citing a controversial contract clause. Cohen, who helped Kiryat Shmona secure promotion by finishing first in the 2024/25 National League season and now plays for Hapoel Haifa, demands a championship bonus of 103,000 shekels. The contract states he is entitled to a "championship bonus," but does not specify that it applies only to winning the Premier League. Cohen argues this entitles him to the bonus for winning the National League title. Ironi Kiryat Shmona dismissed the demand as "ridiculous." The matter will be decided in court, which will determine whether a promotion bonus is equivalent to a championship bonus under the contract terms. The case sets a legal precedent regarding player bonuses for league promotion versus top-tier championships.