Beitar Jerusalem Criticizes Maccabi Haifa CEO Over Community Award Controversy

Beitar Jerusalem sharply criticized Maccabi Haifa and its CEO, Itzik Ovadia, following the awarding of the President of Israel's Award in Sports to Beitar Jerusalem for the first time. The award, given for the 11th consecutive year, honors significant community contributions by football clubs. Beitar Jerusalem accused Ovadia of struggling to accept the committee's decision and attempting to intimidate the award process through harsh messages to committee members. The club emphasized the importance of the award as recognition for community work and expressed surprise at Ovadia's behavior, calling him "a very small CEO" for trying to undermine a special community prize.

The statement also acknowledged the ongoing community efforts of all football clubs, including Maccabi Haifa, and praised the league's grassroots contributors. Maccabi Haifa has not responded to the accusations. Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa's president, Yaakov Shahar, received a lifetime achievement award at the same ceremony for his contributions to the club and Israeli sports. The incident highlights tensions between the two rival clubs amid recognition ceremonies meant to honor positive social impact.