Two Mac TA players suspected of sexual relations with minors

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC has been forced into the spotlight after two of the club's star players were reported to have had sexual relations with minors.

Since the initial allegations on Thursday, it has come to light that the pair of girls may have used forged identification cards which lists their age at over 18 years old. The police have begun their initial investigations into the case.

Orit Sulitzeanu, executive director of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, told Channel 13 that “the owners of Maccabi Tel Aviv must suspend both players suspected of forbidden consensual sexual intercourse until the matter is clarified.”

She added that “it seems to be a case of sexual abuse of minors by well-known figures who are admired by many, including young girls.”

Ahead of Monday night's game against Hapoel Beersheba, Maccabi placed the two players on temporary leave and issued the following statement concerning the incident:

“The allegations in this matter are serious and have consequences for all concerned. Amidst the output of recent stories over the past week, we have focused on fact-gathering and following protocols of the appropriate authorities investigating the matter. Difficult as it is, we believe it important at this time to patiently allow an unmediated process to be completed properly.

“The Club will monitor closely all aspects of the process and act accordingly based on facts as they become available.

"The Club's position is however unambiguous in that we strongly condemn any behavior which involves Illegalities, Racism, Discrimination, of any kind, or any behavior unbecoming of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC.

“The Club has always and will continue to adhere to all matters in law as well as our values and standards of conduct which we deem to be in the best interest of The Club. We will follow our internal procedures when appropriate, and in this regard the club has held a meeting with the players where it has been mutually determined that it is in the best interest of the players and the Club that the 2 players take a temporary leave; enabling them to address various related matters and the Club to best focus on, among other things, football.

“The Club strongly condemns attempts to vilify any parties during this process.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv is one of Israel's largest and most successful soccer clubs and is on its way to capturing the 2019/20 Premier League championship.