Maccabi Netanya CEO Resigns Amid Fan Protests; Player Willian Ciprian Offered Severance

Maccabi Netanya is undergoing significant changes following the resignation of CEO Gil Lev, a move prompted by ongoing fan protests. Lev, who had been under pressure for some time, will continue to receive his salary through the end of the season as part of an agreement with club owner Ross Kestine, who is now seeking a new CEO. Fans have expressed interest in appointing Niv Goldstein, a former club leader, but his religious observance prevents him from working on Saturdays. Deputy CEO Kobi Lavi, trusted by Kestine, lacks sufficient experience to take over.

In parallel, the club offered midfielder Willian Ciprian a severance package equivalent to two months' salary to encourage his departure. Ciprian, who has struggled to integrate professionally and is currently alone in Israel after his family returned to France, has requested a higher payout through his agent. However, Netanya is firm on its offer. Ciprian was informed that accepting the deal would allow him to become a free agent and join another team even after the transfer window closes.

The timing of Lev's resignation coincides with Kestine's planned arrival in Israel by Friday to attend the season opener against Bnei Sakhnin on Monday and a press conference on Sunday. The owner recognizes the need for a shake-up to address the club's challenges. Additionally, legal actions against some fans have been frozen, signaling a possible fresh start in club-fan relations.