Israel Football Association Budget for 2026: National Team Returns Home Amid Financial Realities
As the Israel Football Association (IFA) prepares to finalize its budget for 2026, the document reveals a complex financial landscape shaped significantly by recent challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the region. Detailed insights obtained by start indicate a growing reliance on funds from UEFA and FIFA, coupled with a strategic push towards operational efficiency as the government’s financial support may diminish.
Key Highlights of the Budget
start of the most significant announcements from the upcoming budget is the expectation that the Israeli national team will resume hosting matches in the country starting September 2026. This assumption is crucial for maintaining budgetary balance, especially as the Ministry of Sports is not anticipated to provide any compensation for the impacts of the “Iron Swords” conflict.
Financial Overview
In reviewing the conclusion of fiscal year 2025, the IFA reported revenues of approximately 153.454 million shekels against expenditures totaling around 145 million shekels. After accounting for depreciation and reductions of about 8.233 million shekels, the association finished the year with a minimal operational surplus of just 5,181 shekels.
Preparations for 2026 have prompted notable organizational changes, including the transfer of the Social Responsibility Department to the Business Development and Innovation Division, and the integration of grassroots football under the national teams’ management, all under the banner of a wide-ranging efficiency drive.
Projected revenues for 2026 are estimated at 157.440 million shekels, with a conservative forecast of 149.692 million shekels.
Revenue Dependency on UEFA and FIFA
A critical aspect of the IFA’s financial strategy is noted in its heavy dependence on international funding. Anticipated income from UEFA and FIFA is projected to reach 49.203 million shekels, comprising approximately 31.25% of the total budget. This figure breaks down into various sources:
- Broadcast Rights: 14.332 million shekels
- Solidarity Payments: 11.953 million shekels
- Nations League: 5.850 million shekels
- FIFA (Ongoing): 4.590 million shekels
- Project Grants: Large projects submitted to UEFA totaling 3 million euros
Additional revenue streams include registration and officiating portal fees (27.720 million shekels, about 17.6% of income), Toto supports, and Ministry contributions (22.441 million shekels), as well as 17.740 million shekels anticipated from a new management agreement focused on broadcasting rights.
Expenditure Analysis
The budget lays bare the priorities within the association, with significant disparities evident in funding allocations between the men’s and women’s national teams.
Men’s National Team Expenditures
Total projected spending on the men’s teams is set to reach 44.189 million shekels, representing around 29.52% of the overall budget. This allocation encompasses:
- Operational Costs & International Matches: 38.133 million shekels
- Salaries for Team Staff: 13.496 million shekels
- Travel, Lodging, and International Stays: Approximately 13.292 million shekels
- Academy and Development Centers: 4.8 million shekels combined
Women’s National Team Expenditures
In stark contrast, expenditure for women’s national teams is considerably lower at 10.379 million shekels, which accounts for only 7% of the budget:
- Teams and International Matches: 8.433 million shekels
- Academy Support: 1.286 million shekels
- Development Centers: A mere 659,000 shekels
Additional Operational Costs
Beyond the national teams, the IFA invests heavily in the overall administration of Israeli football:
- Referees Association: Estimated to cost 31.842 million shekels, with referee and personnel salaries making up 29.1 million shekels.
- Logistics and Operations: Maintenance costs for the administrative building and logistics are approximated at 9 million shekels, while upkeep for the Ramat Gan Stadium adds another 2.484 million shekels.
- Legal and IT Servstarts: Legal and computing servstarts are expected to each incur between 5 to 6 million shekels.
The IFA is also banking on generating 9 million shekels from ticket sales for events it organizes, including significant competitions like the cup semifinals and finals, projected to yield around 4.5 million shekels each.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The upcoming year presents a critical test for the IFA: Will the national team successfully return to hosting international matches at home in September? Furthermore, will the efficiency initiatives prove sufficient to maintain budgetary balance in the absence of governmental support? Time will tell as the IFA navigates these challenges.