Ironi Tiberias Owner Arieh Kalmanson Vows to Keep Team in Premier League Despite Point Deduction

Ironi Tiberias is set to begin its third consecutive season in the Israeli Premier League this Saturday, facing Hapoel Petah Tikva in the opening round. Ahead of the 2026/27 season, club owner Arieh Kalmanson addressed supporters at the team's traditional pre-season banquet on Tuesday, expressing determination to remain in the league despite recent challenges.

Kalmanson acknowledged external pressures and critics hoping to see Tiberias struggle, stating, "Many influential parties want Tiberias to be the punching bag of the league. Let them keep dreaming." He emphasized the club's efforts to strengthen the team and build a highly professional support structure, introducing a management "beehive" that includes key figures such as Shimon Hadari, who will serve as owners' representative and liaison between management, legal, and professional staff.

The coaching staff was also outlined, with Morris Ozen returning as a professional advisor, and Alon Ziv and Moti Krispil leading training and tactics, supported by assistants Din Maimon, Dudu Gorash (goalkeeping coach), and Yaniv Madar (fitness coach). Krispil was named head coach and the ultimate authority on team decisions.

Kalmanson thanked the players for committing to the club amid a turbulent off-season and acknowledged the team's starting point deduction of six points. He framed this setback as motivation, declaring, "Anyone who thought minus six points would bring us down will find it only whets our appetite to prove what warriors we are." He vowed that every point earned would be sweeter and every victory a blow to the doubters, concluding, "We will stay in the Premier League this season despite the critics' anger."

The club's message to fans and players was clear: focus on the game and unity on the pitch, leaving external noise behind. The season kickoff against Hapoel Petah Tikva marks the start of their fight to secure their place in Israel's top football division once again.