Ironi Tiberias doping affair: first hearing held at Football Association court

The first hearing in the disciplinary proceedings against Ironi Tiberias, accused of using performance-enhancing substances, took place today at the Football Association's court. A senior association official clarified that no decision will be made today. The affair was exposed following a complaint by M.S. Ashdod. Tiberias may face a points deduction, and several of its players and its coach are suspended.

The first hearing in the disciplinary proceedings against the football club Ironi Tiberias, accused of its players using banned performance-enhancing substances, took place today (Wednesday) at the Football Association's court. A senior association official clarified that no decision will be made today, and that the process will continue for several weeks. The affair was exposed following a complaint filed by M.S. Ashdod after a league match between the teams. At the end of the season, Ashdod was relegated to the National League. Tiberias faces the possibility of a significant points deduction, and perhaps even relegation, although that is unlikely. Several of its players and its coach, Eliran Khudida, are already suspended for the coming months due to direct involvement in the affair. Tiberias is represented by attorney Zion Amir, and M.S. Ashdod is represented by attorney Amit Hadad, who said that in Europe a club like Tiberias would no longer be in the league, and that the serious offenses require the harshest sanction.