Former Player Tom Shelach Criticizes Israeli Premier League Coaching Promotions

Tom Shelach, a former Israeli football player and grandson of Yitzhak Shum, publicly criticized the current state of coaching promotions in Israeli football. In a social media monologue published on August 18, 2026, Shelach expressed frustration over coaches who fail in lower leagues yet are promoted to the Israeli Premier League despite poor results on the field. He argued that coaches who cause teams to be relegated from the second or third divisions are still accepted into top-tier teams, a practice he finds illogical and damaging to Israeli football.

Shelach highlighted that coaches often succeed in advancing to the Premier League by failing repeatedly in lower leagues, having poor interpersonal skills, and currying favor with club management. He questioned why such a system persists and challenged anyone to name another profession where failure leads to promotion. Shelach's comments reflect his deep experience in the sport and his concern about the integrity and quality of coaching in Israeli football.

He concluded by sarcastically listing the unofficial requirements for coaching in the Premier League: relegating teams multiple times, having zero people skills, ingratiating oneself with everyone, and failing in the National League. His remarks sparked discussion about the standards and criteria for coaching appointments in Israel's top football division.