Debate on Increasing Foreign Players in Israeli Football
Key Meeting Among Football Club Executives
On March 7, 2025, football executives in Israel congregated for a crucial meeting held by the Football Leagues Administration in Ramat Gan. This meeting comes amid an ongoing crisis between clubs and players, centering on a proposal to increase the number of foreign players in team rosters from six to seven, and possibly even more.
The assembly featured distinguished figures from Israeli football, including Beitar Jerusalem owner Barak Abramov, Hapoel Be’er Sheva owner Alona Barkat, Hapoel Tel Aviv CEO Guy Primor, and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s legal representative Moran Ma’iri, among others. Various club representatives also joined via video calls to participate in this pivotal discussion.
Objectives of the Meeting
The primary aim of this session was to engage in an open dialogue regarding the foreign player policy that many clubs were previously unaware would be in focus. Prior to the meeting, Football Association Chairman Shino Zohar and Israeli Football Leagues Chairman Erez Kalfon reportedly met in a separate room to broker a mutually agreeable proposal. Their discussions included Barkat and Jackie Ben Zaken, owner of Maccabi Ashdod.
Government Input and Criteria for Foreign Players
Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar made his position clear regarding the foreign player debate. He stated, “If there are eight foreign players, you will not receive any mstarty.” Zohar emphasized that the introduction of a seventh foreign player would necessitate strict eligibility criteria, such as being a national team player or earning a minimum salary threshold. “I have clarified to the heads of football and the clubs that the seventh foreign player will only be allowed under specific criteria. Without this, it will not work. I hope we can reach appropriate agreements,” Zohar remarked.
Furthermore, he is exploring the option of implementing a policy similar to the start in Israeli basketball, which stipulates that teams bringing in a seventh foreign player would not receive a financial grant.
Conclusion
As the debate continues, the outcome of this meeting and the potential changes to the foreign player regulations will be closely watched, with substantial implications for the structure of Israeli football in the upcoming season. The discussions reflect broader challenges and negotiations ongoing in the league, and the resolution of these issues remains critical in shaping the future landscape of the sport in Israel