Maccabi Netanya CEO Gil Lev Resigns Amid Fan Protests, Player William Sifrian Faces Uncertain Future

Maccabi Netanya is undergoing significant changes as CEO Gil Lev resigned following prolonged tensions and fan protests outside his home. The protests, which have been recurring, escalated recently, prompting owner Ross Kestine to intervene. Lev will continue to receive his salary until the end of the season as part of an agreement with the club, while Kestine begins the search for a new CEO. Fans have expressed interest in appointing Niv Goldstein, a former club financial and professional leader, but his refusal to work on Saturdays due to religious reasons complicates this possibility. Deputy CEO Kobi Lavi, trusted by Kestine, lacks sufficient experience to take over.

In parallel, midfielder William Sifrian, who has struggled to integrate professionally, is facing a critical period. After his wife and children returned to France, Sifrian remains alone in Israel. The club offered him compensation equivalent to two months' salary to leave, but he and his agent requested a higher amount. Netanya has so far declined to increase the offer but explained that if Sifrian agrees to a compromise, he could become a free agent and join another team even after the transfer window closes.

Owner Ross Kestine is expected to arrive in Israel by Friday and attend the season opener against Bnei Sakhnin on Monday, as well as a press conference on Sunday. The club aims to stabilize the situation and implement necessary changes. Additionally, legal actions against some fans have been frozen, signaling a possible fresh start for the club's relationship with its supporters.