Anti-Doping Agency to Hear Possible Tiberias Case, With Penalties Up to Four Years

Israel’s Anti-Doping Agency will handle the case involving Ironi Tiberias over alleged infusions given to players before the match against M.S. Ashdod. The agency’s own disciplinary court will examine the evidence and any possible indictment, and its rulings will carry legal weight both before the Israel Football Association and FIFA.

The investigation has already been running for several days. It was opened by the football association’s investigative company after materials had been gathered earlier and handed over for review.

Under anti-doping rules in Israel and abroad, the potential sanctions in cases involving alleged prohibited substances can reach up to four years of suspension. That punishment could apply both to individual players and club staff, as well as to the club itself.

The complaint was filed with the association on Friday, just before the Sabbath, by M.S. Ashdod’s lawyer, which triggered the investigation. The alleged offense is the use of an intravenous drip larger than 100 milliliters. The reason that threshold matters, according to the anti-doping agency, is that large saline infusions can mask the use of other substances. Once the disciplinary court rules, either side will be able to appeal if needed.