Beitar Jerusalem Criticizes Maccabi Haifa CEO Over Community Award Controversy

After Beitar Jerusalem received the President of Israel's Award for social contribution on Sunday, tensions arose with Maccabi Haifa, which did not win the award. Beitar Jerusalem accused Maccabi Haifa's CEO, Itzik Ovadia, of struggling to accept the committee's decision and sending harsh messages to committee members. Beitar called Ovadia "a small CEO in a big club" and defended the award's legitimacy, while also respecting the community work of Maccabi Haifa and other league teams.

In response, Maccabi Haifa issued a formal statement denying that Ovadia contacted any committee members directly or indirectly and demanded an apology from Beitar Jerusalem for their "unprofessional" remarks. The club expressed respect for the committee's decision and congratulated Beitar Jerusalem on their award, reaffirming their commitment to community and social initiatives over many years.

The award ceremony at the President's residence honored Beitar Jerusalem for excellence in community work among Premier League clubs. Additionally, Maccabi Haifa's president Yaakov Shahar and Hapoel Be'er Sheva's president Alona Barkat received personal commendations from President Isaac Herzog for their longstanding contributions to Israeli sports.