Ashdod Demands Postponement of National League Opener Amid Tabariya Dispute

M.S. Ashdod is contesting its relegation and demanding to play in the Israeli Premier League instead of Ironi Tabariya, which faces serious disciplinary charges. On Monday, Ashdod representatives will attend an emergency hearing at the Israeli Football Association's Supreme Court to request postponing their first National League match against Hapoel Afula, scheduled for Tuesday, until the case against Tabariya is resolved. Ashdod, which filed the complaint against Tabariya and joined the case as an interested party, argues that due to the severity of the allegations against Tabariya, they should replace them in the Premier League.

The league management and Hapoel Afula must respond to Ashdod's petition by Monday morning, with the Supreme Court presidency set to deliberate on the matter Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, the first evidentiary hearing in the disciplinary proceedings against Ironi Tabariya has been scheduled for September 10. The investigation will include testimony from Din Frager, the association's investigator, and Dr. Amichai Berkovich, an expert appointed by the association.