Three Suspended Tiberias Players Receive Reduced Ban Ahead of Premier League Return

On August 19, 2026, Ironi Tiberias received a significant update in the doping case involving three of its players: Guy Hadida, David Kaltins, and Niv Gottlieb. The players reached a plea agreement with the Anti-Doping Agency, resulting in a three-month suspension from matches, pending approval by the disciplinary court. The suspension is retroactive to July 5, allowing the players to resume training on September 13 and return to play in October after the international break, starting from the sixth round against Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The players cooperated with the investigation, admitted to the charges, and provided crucial information, which contributed to the reduced penalty. Despite the resolution for the players, Ironi Tiberias faces ongoing challenges as the club itself may be implicated due to the systemic nature of the violations involving multiple players from the same team. The Israeli Football Association could argue that these were not isolated incidents but part of a broader group misconduct.

Financially, the players have continued to receive their full salaries throughout the investigation. Prior to the plea deal, the club had proposed unpaid leave for the players in case of a longer suspension, but this option was dropped with their imminent return. The suspended coach, Eliran Hodeda, remains sidelined as well.

Meanwhile, Tiberias is preparing to host Hapoel Petah Tikva on Saturday in the Premier League opener, with new head coach Alon Ziv making his debut alongside assistant Moti Krispil. The team will be without the suspended players and injured striker Kais Ganem. Efforts are underway to ready Itamar Shabiro for a starting role, with alternatives including Samir Farhoud or Mansour Badji. Ndjé Batchou is expected to return to the starting lineup, and Daniel Golani is also in contention for the squad.

Despite the complex situation surrounding the doping case, Ironi Tiberias aims to start the season strongly and complete preparations optimally for the upcoming match.