Controversy Erupts as Israeli Premier League Approves Increase in Foreign Player Quota

Decision to Expand Foreign Player Limit

In a significant move for Israeli football, the management committee convened on Thursday, March 7, 2025, and voted to increase the limit on foreign players in the Israeli Premier League from five to eight. This alteration comes with specific financial stipulations aimed at regulating the costs associated with hiring additional foreign talent.

New Criteria for Foreign Player Employment

Clubs interested in adding a seventh foreign player will be required to offer a minimum gross salary of €200,000. Furthermore, this addition will decrease the club’s fund distribution from the league by ₪200,000. Should teams wish to recruit an eighth foreign player, the minimum salary requirement will rise to €500,000, plus transfer or loan fees. In this case, the financial deduction from league grants will amount to ₪1,000,000.

Reactions to the Decision

Avi Luzon, chairman of Maccabi Petah Tikva, expressed his discontent regarding the committee’s decision. He stated, “I believe this decision harms Israeli players and the development of young talents, as well as investments in youth academies. They see things from their own perspective; I do not share that viewpoint. If the players want to strike and shut down the league, let them do it.”

Luzon’s comments highlight a growing concern among advocates for local football talent, who fear that increasing the number of foreign players could stifle the opportunities available to homegrown athletes.

The decision is already generating mixed reactions within the football community, as the implications for both player development and the financial landscape of Israeli football remain to be seen