The Fate of the Championship Rests in Their Hands
Committee to Decide Championship Title Amidst Security Concerns
As Israel experiences heightened security tensions, the fate of the basketball championship hinges on an upcoming committee meeting led by League Chairman Ari Steinberg and General Manager David Basan. The season’s conclusion awaits a decision regarding the finals series, with potential outcomes including a joint championship title for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem or the possibility of concluding the season without a champion altogether.
Key Decision-Makers
The decisive committee will include Steinberg and Basan, alongside three public representatives: Assi Bartfeld, Dani Biran, and Yoav Horowitz. Their inclusion stems from the league’s regulations, which require three external figures who are impartial and lacking any vested interests in the outcome.
The Responsibilities of the Committee
These committee members hold extensive authority concerning disputes and the management of relationships with the Basketball Association and the Players’ Union. Their powers grant them exclusive and final say on any disagreements between league teams or between teams and the league management. This encompasses the enforcement of league regulations for cup matches, regular-season games, or playoffs.
Backgrounds of the Committee Members
Assi Bartfeld
Bartfeld served as the CEO of the Delek Group from 2003 until 2019, remaining involved with the company in a part-time capacity thereafter. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board and has been instrumental in significant discoveries related to Israel’s gas reserves.
Dani Biran
Currently a lawyer, Biran previously served for 27 years in the Mossad across various roles. His extensive experience includes a tenure as Deputy President of the Claridge Investment Fund and a position as the President of Koor Industries from 1998 onward. He also chaired the Board of Directors for the Sports Halls Company from 2009 to 2015.
Yoav Horowitz
Horowitz is the founder and chairman of a consulting firm specializing in investments and the support of Israeli technology companies. He has held multiple leadership positions, including Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister, and has a background in both basketball coaching and law.
Need for a Committee Meeting
The convening of this committee is crucial due to gaps in the league’s regulations regarding this unprecedented situation. According to Section 47 of the Basketball Association’s championship rules, the team ranked first at the end of the league or finals will be declared the champion for the current season, holding the title until a new champion is announced.
This upcoming meeting represents a significant moment in the basketball landscape of Israel, as the decision made will directly impact the teams involved and the fans alike