Committee Members Behind Choosing Beitar Jerusalem for President's Award Revealed Amid Controversy

Following Beitar Jerusalem's receipt of the President's Award on August 25, the club launched a sharp critique against Maccabi Haifa CEO Itzik Ovadia over the selection process. Amid the ensuing controversy, the identities of the committee members who selected Beitar Jerusalem over Maccabi Haifa have been disclosed. The committee includes notable figures from Israeli sports and social sectors.

Among them is Andy Ram, a former Israeli tennis player renowned for his international doubles achievements, who also serves as chairman of the President's Award committee. Other members include Batel Gerbi, active in sports and social initiatives; Nurit Sharvit, a public figure involved in community projects; and Nissim Sasports, a veteran sports journalist known for football coverage. Oren Avraham, head of finance and events at the President's residence, also participates in managing related activities.

Additional members are Ashraf Halabi, professional manager of the Druze Ball Association promoting sports in the Druze community; and Nir Chen, a senior figure in the RGE group and co-owner of Sport Channel, engaged in advancing sports and community initiatives in Israel. The committee's composition reflects a blend of sports, media, and social activism backgrounds, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the award decision.

The controversy highlights tensions between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa, with the latter's management disputing the award outcome. The President's Award committee's decision and its members' profiles have now become central to the debate surrounding the recognition of Israeli football clubs.