Understanding the Conflict in Regulations: How Maccabi Netanya Might Stay in the League Following the Gili D Gala Unification
As July 2025 unfolds, uncertainties loom over the composition of the Israeli Premier League for the upcoming season. With the potential unification of Hapoel Galil Gilboa and Maccabi Ironi Afula, Maccabi Netanya is in a holding pattern, hoping to maintain its position in the league despite having been relegated at the end of the previous season. This situation arises as it is anticipated that the unity of the two teams could create space for an additional club to join the league.
The Regulatory Framework
In the latest episode of “Speak N Roll,” sports commentator Oded Halperin discussed the complexities of the current regulations affecting this situation, alongside insights received from the Basketball Association of Israel. Halperin outlined a significant clause stating, “The right to ascend to the Premier League will in no case be transferred to any club not entitled to it based on sporting merit, including in cases of club dissolution in the Premier League.”
Essentially, this regulation suggests that if a club dissolves, there is no obligation for another team to take its place.
Potential Outcomes of Relegation
Halperin further elaborated that he posed a query to the league management about the implications of a club not fulfilling financial guarantees or if a regulatory body chose to reject its budget. Under such circumstances, that club would descend to the National League, and teams would be arranged to fill its vacancy as follows:
- The highest-ranked relegated team.
- The club from the National League that ranks next after those promoted to the Premier League.
Halperin emphasized the contradiction that arises from these regulations, noting, “There are two clauses that contradict each other.” He discerned that the term “sporting” plays a crucial role, indicating an aversion to scenarios where clubs might purchase league positions, akin to earlier instances involving teams like Eilat and Be’er Sheva.
The Concept of Sporting Merit
What stands out here is the significance placed on “sporting merit.” The intention behind this regulation is to prevent situations where a team finishing mid-table could hypothetically take over a dissolved club and thereby gain entry to the upper echelons of the league simply through financial acquisition rather than performance.
Halperin concluded that if Afula proceeds with its merger with Galil Gilboa and a Premier League club subsequently faces relegation, Maccabi Netanya would, under the current understanding of the regulations, be the team to fill that vacancy. However, as of now, this merger remains unconfirmed, and thus, there are still possibilities to consider regarding Netanya’s league status.
In summary, as the season approaches, the situation remains fluid, with both regulatory interpretations and team configurations at play – a development that fans and stakeholders alike will keenly observe