Hapoel’s fall from grace is a real wake-up call

FOOTBALL ITZIK Nisanov is confident Hapoel Tel Aviv will bounce back from their humiliating relegation following a disastrous season.

One of Israel’s most illustrious clubs, Hapoel went into administration in December and consequently suffered a nine-point deduction. And a failure to beat Hapoel Ra’anana in their final match of the Ligat Ha’Al campaign sealed their fate.

Founded in 1924, Hapoel have been crowned champions 14 times, most recently in 2009/10. The club featured in the group stages of the Champions League the following year.

Hapoel have only played second tier league football once in its history in 1989/90. Having taken on the club’s debt at the end of 2016, club owner Nisanov has pledged to guide Hapoel straight back up. He said: “I promise the fans we will build an attractive team that will earn promotion next season.

“I will only step aside if billionaire owners are found that can put in the kind of money that this club deserves.”

If Nisanov makes good on his promise, then Hapoel will return to Ligat Ha’Al for the 2018/2019 season in time for the opening of the 29,000-seat Bloomfield Stadium, which is having its capacity doubled by Tel Aviv Municipality.

Hapoel will continue playing at Petah Tikvah’s Moshava Stadium next season.