Gaydamak reaches agreement with fans

Supporters will transfer funds collected from fans, will be given three of nine places on the club’s directorate.

By ALLON SINAI
Betar Jerusalem players after win_370 (photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Betar Jerusalem players after win_370
(photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Betar Jerusalem’s future is finally looking brighter after club owner Arkadi Gaydamak came to an agreement of cooperation with an organization of Betar fans on Monday.
The supporters will transfer the cash-stricken club NIS 2.1 million they collected from thousands of fans over recent months and will be given three of nine places on the club’s directorate, with Gaydamak to still have three of his own representatives and the remaining three directorates to be businessmen who have contributed to Betar over the years.
The agreement also gives the supporters’ group an option to purchase full control of the club over the next three years.
“This is a significant landmark for the club,” said Betar chairman Itzik Kornfein, who will remain in his position.
“I’m sure there will be problems down the road, as there are bound to be differences with a nine-man directorate.
“However, I am certain that everyone will have Betar’s best at heart.
“We have been through a very difficult summer but with this money we will now be able to strengthen the squad.”
Former Betar defender Shmulik Levy will be one of the fans’ directorates and he is hoping the club can now embark on a new course.
“This is an historic moment,” Levy said. “I hope the fans will have the power to affect the decisions made at the club. I hope we can now lead Betar forward.”