Challenges in Signing Foreign Players Amid Security Concerns
The major Israeli football clubs, including Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Beer Sheva, and Beitar Jerusalem, are facing significant challenges in signing new foreign players for the 2024/25 season. The ongoing security situation in the region has made it difficult for these clubs to attract high-profile foreign talent. Traditionally, these clubs have targeted players who are also in demand at other European clubs. However, many of these players now prefer the relative stability of Europe, even if it means earning less.
Maccabi Haifa sources stated, 'In previous years, money talked. We still believe that foreigners can be brought in and there are quite a few names in the register, but we are clear that the situation is difficult and time must pass or the war will end for it to be easier.' Similarly, Maccabi Tel Aviv is struggling to find a new coach and foreign team members after the departure of Robbie Keane. The club's management noted that it is challenging to find professionals willing to come to Israel under the current circumstances.
Efforts to Retain Existing Foreign Players
Before signing new players, the clubs are focusing on retaining their existing foreign talent. Maccabi Haifa has communicated to players like Pierrot, Pierre Cornot, and Abdoulaye Sek that they are integral to the team’s plans and will only be released for substantial offers. Maccabi Tel Aviv is also adamant about keeping Milson, despite interest from Greek clubs like AK Athens and Olympiakos. Agents have echoed the sentiment that releasing players is easy, but bringing in new ones is much more challenging.
Hapoel Beer Sheva's midfielder Imran Olad Omar is looking to move abroad, despite being under contract. The club's management is finding it difficult to add new players under the current circumstances. Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa has begun training with its existing foreign players, who are familiar with the local situation and are expected to be available for the first European qualifying match in July.
Impact on Foreign Investments in Israel
The security situation is not only affecting sports but also the broader economic landscape. Foreign direct investments in Israel have plummeted to $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2024, a 55.8% decrease from the previous quarter, marking the lowest level since the last quarter of 2021. This decline is largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli economic newspaper 'Calcalist' highlighted that the drop in foreign investments is alarming, as it reflects both the fear of continued conflict and a perceived lack of economic focus from the country's leadership.
Foreign investments are crucial for economic growth, providing capital, new technologies, and management expertise. In Israel, approximately 80% of the capital in the technology sector, a key economic driver, comes from abroad. The Director of the Research Department at the Bank of Israel, Adi Brander, emphasized that upcoming decisions regarding defense budgeting will have long-term impacts on the country's growth and standard of living.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently operating without a head coach after Robbie Keane's departure, making it even more challenging to attract new foreign talent. The club's management is under pressure to find a suitable replacement who is willing to come to Israel despite the security concerns.
- Hapoel Jerusalem has managed to sign a 20-year-old Nigerian striker who was already in Israel, indicating that some foreign players are still willing to join Israeli clubs. However, this is more of an exception than the norm, as most clubs are struggling to bring in new foreign players.
- The decline in foreign direct investments is a significant concern for Israel's economy, particularly for the technology sector. The ongoing conflict and regulatory restrictions are deterring foreign investors, which could have long-term implications for economic growth and development.
- Israeli investments abroad have increased by about 30% in the first quarter of this year, suggesting that local investors are seeking safer opportunities outside the country. This trend further underscores the challenges faced by the Israeli economy in attracting and retaining foreign capital.
