Maccabi Haifa Denies Claims and Calls on Beitar Jerusalem to Apologize

Maccabi Haifa responded on Monday to an unusual statement from Beitar Jerusalem accusing Maccabi Haifa's CEO, Itzik Ovadia, of improperly contacting members of the committee that selected the recipients of the President's Award. Haifa categorically denied these allegations, stating that Ovadia did not approach any committee member, directly or indirectly. The club praised Beitar Jerusalem for winning the President's Award and acknowledged the important community work done by all Israeli football clubs, emphasizing that contributing to the community is a shared value beyond rivalries.

Maccabi Haifa criticized Beitar Jerusalem's response as lacking the statesmanship expected for such an award and suggested it was influenced by various media reports. The club called on Beitar Jerusalem to apologize for the accusations. Haifa expressed respect for the committee's decision and the award winners, including their counterparts from Beitar Jerusalem, and reaffirmed their commitment to community and social contributions over many years.

Additionally, Maccabi Haifa noted Beitar Jerusalem's recent efforts to establish itself as a respectable club, making the aggressive tone of their statement surprising. The club urged for respectful discourse, warning that personal attacks do not honor Beitar Jerusalem or befit a club of its stature.