Football

Beitar, Beersheba in fierce fight to the finish

Both top teams win, Jerusalem still trails by 2 points in the championship race with just 2 games left.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
TIMOTI MUZIE (11) celebrates with his Beitar Jerusalem teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in the crucial 2-1 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Members of Iran's national soccer team attend a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026.

Iran holds World Cup departure rally despite continuing US visa concerns

Iran's participation in the World Cup has been in question since the US and Israel launched air strikes on the Islamic Republic in late February.

|ByREUTERS
MACCABI HAIFA players celebrate their final goal in the 3-0 victory over Beitar Jerusalem in Israeli Premier League action on Saturday at Sammy Ofer Stadium.

Beersheba wins, overtakes Beitar Jerusalem in Israeli Premier League title race

Navot Ratner’s header gave Barak Bachar’s side a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute, while former Beitar forward Silva Kani doubled the advantage in the 60th minute.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DEMONSTRATORS HOLD a banner urging the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to boycott upcoming UEFA fixtures with Israel, in support of Palestinians during a protest in relation to the ceasefire in Gaza, in Dublin, Ireland, February 21, 2026.

Irish footballers, celebrities urge boycott of Israel match over Gaza war

An open letter sent to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) from campaign group Irish Sport for Palestine accuses Israel of engaging in "genocide" in the war in Gaza.

|ByREUTERS

Training the Brain, Winning the Game with Mind-Controlled Video Games

How Israeli Startup i-BrainTech is Revolutionizing Athlete Recovery and Performance

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A footballer at a top club trains with i-BrainTech

Ironi Tiberias and Ashdod secure premier league survival, Maccabi Petah Tikva relegated

Maccabi Petah Tikva’s drop and Ironi Tiberias’ survival highlight the latest Israeli soccer relegation playoffs.

MAY 12, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IRONI TIBERIAS fans celebrate during the 0-0 draw against Maccabi Petah Tikva over the weekend, a result that ensured their club’s top-tier survival.

‘Excitement in the air!’ Team sports live draw held for Maccabiah

The draw included football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, and futsal, in addition to other group ball sports such as ice hockey, rugby, and baseball.

MAY 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
In preparation for the Maccabiah, which will open on July 8, a live draw for team sports was held for ball sports with more than one group. Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing stated: ‘We are working around the clock to ensure a top-notch sports experience.’

Maccabi Tel Aviv, Beersheba still neck-and-neck

Bloomfield draw keeps title race tight • Netanya blanks Beitar • Mac Haifa still reeling from Bachar’s firing

MAY 6, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv's Weslley Patati (left) and Hapoel Beersheba’s Eliel Peretz vie for the ball during their teams’ 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Stadium.

End of an era: Maccabi Haifa parts ways with Barak Bachar and Gal Alberman

The dual resignation comes after Maccabi Haifa suffered a humiliating 5-1 derby defeat to Hapoel Haifa.

MAY 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Barak Bachar led Maccabi Haifa through triumphs and setbacks over two stints at the club before being abruptly let go late Sunday after the Greens’ dramatic downturn in form late in the season.

Manor Solomon’s moment of magic lifts Leeds United to Championship glory

Reports suggest Tottenham are open to selling Solomon for £15–20 million – a fee that now seems like a bargain for a player who has become a fan favorite.

MAY 4, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Leeds United's Israeli forward Manor Solomon celebrates after scoring the Championship title-clinching goal against Plymouth Argyle in a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Beitar Jerusalem to battle Bnei Reineh in State Cup semifinals

Beitar Jerusalem beat Bnei Sakhnin 3-0 after a goalless first half.

APRIL 8, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
YARDEN SHUA scored and set up another goal in Beitar Jerusalem's 3-0 State Cup quarterfinal victory over Bnei Sakhnin.

More than fans: How Hapoel Jerusalem supporters shape the soccer club’s future

This structure, inspired by leading European clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, ensures that the team’s fate is not dictated by a single owner but collectively determined by its fan base.

MARCH 27, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
A PACKED stands at Teddy Stadium in the norm for Hapoel Jerusalem matches, with the fan-owned club holding its membership elections this week.

Emotional tribute to former hostages at Maccabi Tel Aviv-Hapoel Haifa clash

Former hostages Emily Damari and Romi Gonen took center stage in an emotional pregame ceremony.

MARCH 16, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
FORMER HOSTAGE and Maccabi Tel Aviv fan Emily Damari takes part in a tribute on the pitch at Bloomfield Stadium before the team’s 3-0 win over Hapoel Haifa.

Indictment filed against Bnei Sakhnin stadium announcer Saeed Hasanein

The indictment charged Hasanein with contact with a foreign agent, identification with a terror group, and destruction of evidence.

MARCH 12, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
SAEED HASANEIN was dismissed from his role as stadium announcer of Israel Premier League club Bnei Sakhnin after his anti-Israel statements during matches.