Beitar Jerusalem CEO Barak Abramov Angered by Itzik Ovadia's Conduct Over President's Award Dispute

Tensions between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa CEO Itzik Ovadia escalated over the handling of the President's Award, sparking internal conflict within Beitar. While Beitar officials initially kept their frustrations private, CEO Barak Abramov became furious upon learning about messages sent to the award committee that insulted him and attempted to damage his reputation. Beitar clarified that their anger was directed solely at Ovadia personally, not at Maccabi Haifa as a club. Ovadia and Shlomi Gabai from Maccabi Haifa denied the allegations, but multiple committee members confirmed the content of the messages. Beitar warned that if the committee publishes these communications, it would cause significant embarrassment for Ovadia and Maccabi Haifa. Senior officials from the Israeli Football Association intervened to resolve the matter, emphasizing that the public dispute was inappropriate and recommending a direct dialogue between the parties to end the controversy.