Ashdod Seeks Postponement of National League Opener Amid Dispute Over Tiberias Case

M.S. Ashdod is demanding a postponement of their opening match in the Israeli National League, scheduled for August 18, pending the outcome of a disciplinary case against Ironi Tiberias. Ashdod, which filed the complaint against Tiberias and joined the proceedings as an interested party, argues that they should compete in the Premier League instead of Tiberias due to the serious allegations facing the northern club. Representatives from Ashdod are set to attend an emergency hearing at the Supreme Court of the Israel Football Association on August 17 to present their case.

The club requests that their first National League match against Hapoel Afula be delayed until the Tiberias case is resolved. The league management and Hapoel Afula must respond to the petition by the morning of August 17. The Supreme Court presidency of the Football Association will deliberate on the petition later that day.

Meanwhile, the first evidentiary hearing in the disciplinary proceedings against Ironi Tiberias has been scheduled for September 10. The investigation will include testimony from Din Preger, the Football Association investigator, and Dr. Amichai Berkovich, an expert appointed by the association. The outcome of this case will determine whether Ashdod can claim a spot in the Premier League in place of Tiberias.