Representing the Israel Football Association in the Simanian Proceeding
2018
Practice Area
Sports Law and Labor Law
Context
Former referee Oren Simanian filed a claim against the Israel Football Association after being removed from the active referee roster, seeking reinstatement to the Premier League or, alternatively, monetary compensation.
Legal Issue
The scope of the Football Association's authority over professional refereeing decisions, and how that authority is treated by the labor courts.
Role
Representation of the Israel Football Association, together with attorney Amit Pines.
Outcome
The Regional Labor Court dismissed Simanian's claim in full, holding that professional refereeing decisions fall within the Football Association's exclusive authority under sports-law principles, and ordered the claimant to pay costs.
Significance
The proceeding illustrates the interface between labor law and the internal professional rules of sports bodies, and how labor courts approach the professional authority of such bodies.