Bitterness Erupts Between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa Over Presidential Award Outcome

A sharp dispute broke out on Monday between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa following Beitar's historic win of the President's Award, a community contribution honor. Beitar Jerusalem won the award for the first time after a close competition with Maccabi Haifa, who initially led in some voting stages before a re-vote gave Beitar the prize.

Beitar sharply criticized Maccabi Haifa's CEO, Itzik Ovadia, accusing him of struggling to accept the committee's decision and sending inappropriate messages to committee members. Beitar called Ovadia "a very small CEO" attempting to intimidate a community award focused on contribution. Despite the attack, Beitar acknowledged Maccabi Haifa's community efforts and praised the league's other clubs.

Maccabi Haifa strongly denied the accusations, stating that Ovadia did not contact any committee members directly or indirectly, calling Beitar's claims inaccurate and misleading. Haifa condemned Beitar's response as lacking the dignity expected of the award and demanded an apology. Nonetheless, Maccabi Haifa congratulated Beitar Jerusalem on their win and emphasized respect for the committee's decision, concluding that any club contributing to the community is a winner.