Alona Barkat and Moran Meiri Clash Over Israel Football Association Governance
A public clash erupted between Hapoel Beersheba owner Alona Barkat and IFA vice-chairman Moran Meiri over corporate governance and alleged conflicts of interest.
A new storm has hit Israeli football following a public clash between Hapoel Beersheba owner Alona Barkat and Moran Meiri, vice-chairman of the Israel Football Association and legal advisor to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Barkat attacked Meiri on her X account following remarks he made on a podcast, calling on him to resign from his position at the IFA.
The Controversy over Corporate Governance
"Dear Moran Meiri, who lectures everyone on proper corporate governance, get up and resign from your position as vice-chairman of the IFA," Barkat wrote. According to her, in proper corporate governance, a club representative cannot serve as chairman or vice-chairman of the association. She pointed out Meiri's dual role as legal counsel for Maccabi Tel Aviv, noting that he oscillates between claiming he is not a club representative and admitting that he serves the public that sent him.
"For a moment you are not a representative of Maccabi Tel Aviv, and immediately afterward you admit that 'you serve the same public that sent you,'" Barkat stated, concluding with the Hebrew proverb, "He who discredits others does so with his own flaws."
Origins of the Dispute
Barkat's attack followed Meiri's appearance on the "Kicked-Talk" podcast produced by "All-in," where he discussed relations with Hapoel Beersheba and his disagreements with Barkat. Meiri claimed that all major clubs voted for him except Hapoel Beersheba, which he said led the opposition faction. He added that disputes exist regarding the association's gatekeepers, tribunals, referees, and national teams.
Meiri argued that these areas should be handled "sterilously" and proposed that any board member contacting the head of the referee association, the prosecutor, or other officials regarding such matters should face disciplinary action. In response, Meiri dismissed Barkat's campaign, stating that association regulations do not prohibit vice-chairmen from having club affiliations, and noted that Barkat herself voted unanimously for his appointment.
