Bitterness Erupts Between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa Over Presidential Award Outcome
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Beitar Jerusalem won the President's Award for community contribution for the first time, sparking a bitter dispute with Maccabi Haifa. Beitar accused Maccabi Haifa's CEO Itzik Ovadia of trying to undermine the award, which Haifa denied and demanded an apology. Despite tensions, Maccabi Haifa congratulated Beitar and respected the committee's decision.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Beitar Jerusalem won the President's Award for the first time after a close vote against Maccabi Haifa.
- Beitar accused Maccabi Haifa CEO Itzik Ovadia of sending inappropriate messages to committee members.
- Beitar called Ovadia "a very small CEO" trying to intimidate the award process.
- Maccabi Haifa denied all accusations and demanded an apology from Beitar Jerusalem.
- Haifa emphasized respect for the award and congratulated Beitar on their win.
- Beitar acknowledged Maccabi Haifa's community contributions despite the conflict.
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.
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