Three Ironi Tiberias Players Receive Reduced Suspensions in Doping Case Settlement

The National Anti-Doping Agency in Israel announced on Wednesday that a settlement has been reached with three Ironi Tiberias players, Guy Hadida, David Kaltins, and Niv Gottlieb, who faced proceedings related to a doping case. Attempts are ongoing to include former player Yonatan Teper, whose contract ended in the summer, in the agreement. The status of another player, Sambinia, remains unclear as he chose not to engage a lawyer or address the matter. However, there is a possibility he will also reach a settlement soon.

According to the settlement submitted for approval by the Israeli Sports Doping Tribunal, the players violated the agency's regulations based on WADA rules. Each will receive an eight-month suspension starting July 5, 2026, but with five months deducted for full cooperation, resulting in an effective three-month ban. Dr. Daniel Hershtein, CEO of the agency, emphasized the importance of sending a clear message to athletes and staff to avoid banned substances and maintain clean, fair sports.

Despite the reduced punishment, Guy Hadida intends to leave the club and seek a release without compensation. Hadida’s contract includes a 600,000 shekel release clause, but if released without payment, he may forgo future claims against the club. The three players’ suspensions will prevent them from playing in the first five rounds of the upcoming season, whether at Tiberias or another team.

Following the settlement announcement, Ironi Tiberias issued a statement asserting that the players never took banned substances and had no intent to harm sportsmanship. The club praised the settlement and the deduction of five months from the suspension as evidence of full cooperation and good faith, describing the violation as procedural and unintentional. The club expressed full support for the players and looks forward to their return to the field by early October.

Ironi Tiberias will host Hapoel Petah Tikva in the Premier League season opener on Saturday at 20:00. The club starts the season with a six-point deduction and is barred from signing new players during the January transfer window.