Ironi Tiberias Heads to Training Camp Without Suspended Players Amid Doping Scandal

Ironi Tiberias football club decided to proceed with its training camp in Poland despite the ongoing doping scandal that has led to the suspension of five players and two staff members. On Monday, the team trained without suspended players David Kaltins, Guy Hadida, Niv Gottlieb, Sambinia, and Yonatan Teper, as well as without coach Eliran Hodeda and technical manager Chen Sol, who are also barred from attending the training grounds. Assistant coach Moti Krispil and new fitness coach Ehud Ben Shoshan, who replaced the temporarily suspended Shlomi Vardardo, led the session. Krispil encouraged the team to "keep their heads up and continue as usual."

The club plans to fly to the training camp in Poland without the suspended personnel to maintain the team's preparation routine and due to the high costs that cannot be canceled. Efforts are underway in Tiberias to lift the temporary suspensions of Hodeda and Sol by submitting a request to the Israeli Anti-Doping Agency, although such cancellations are rare and expected to have low chances unless significant evidence is presented.

Meanwhile, disciplinary hearings and related procedures will continue this week and next. Unlike football association disciplinary cases, doping investigations can be lengthy despite all parties' desire for a swift resolution. Even after the anti-doping agency completes its process, Ironi Tiberias retains the right to appeal or seek a plea deal.

New signing activities have been paused, and ongoing negotiations with potential foreign players are on hold. Louis Khalaf, a player whose candidacy was first reported by Sport 5, will join the team in Poland and continue to be evaluated. The club expressed concern that the scandal could be devastating for Ironi Tiberias.