Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C.

Lore & Background

Maccabi Ashdod FC was established in 1961 by the Israeli Maccabi Union and began play in Liga Gimel Central division. Notable early players included Yehoshua Peretz, Zvika Kaspi, Shlomo Lasri, and Meir Ben-Harush. The club first qualified for Liga Bet at the end of the 1979–1980 season. In 1980–1981, Maccabi Ashdod merged with Beitar Ashdod FC, adding 'Ironi' to its name, becoming the first team in Israel to use that name. In July 1983, the club won a gold medal at the Maccabiah Games in Israel, defeating Maccabi England 1–0 on a goal by Joseph Marzouk. After two seasons in Liga Alef, the club dropped back to Liga Bet in 1983–1984, but returned to Liga Alef at the end of the 1988–1989 season. Under coach Arie Radler, the club achieved two consecutive promotions, reaching the national Artzit league and eventually the first Israeli league Leumit at the end of the 1992–1993 season. The 1997–1998 season saw the club reach the Israeli Cup Semi Finals for the first time, losing 5–0 to Maccabi Haifa. On July 26, 1999, the club was merged with Hapoel Ashdod in a takeover orchestrated by Jackie Ben Zaken, forming Ashdod F.C.

Reader's Guide

Maccabi Ironi Ashdod F.C. holds significance as a historic Israeli football club that experienced multiple transformations, including a forced merger and a later resurrection as a fan-owned entity. Its early history reflects the growth of football in Ashdod, with the club achieving promotions from lower divisions to the top tier of Israeli football. The club's 1999 merger with rival Hapoel Ashdod marked a turning point, leading to the creation of F.C. Ashdod. However, the club's re-establishment in 2015 by supporters, following protests against F.C. Ashdod chairman Jacky Ben-Zaken, represents a notable example of fan ownership in Israeli football. The club's legacy includes its role in the Ashdod football derby and its contributions to local football culture. Its achievements, such as winning the Liga Gimel Darom division trophy in the 2015–16 season and earning promotion to Liga Bet, demonstrate its resilience. The club's history also includes notable players and managers, such as Amir Turgeman, Motti Ivanir, and coach Pini Ayash, who led the team in its re-established era.

Did You Know?

• Maccabi Ironi Ashdod was the first team in Israel to use the name 'Ironi' in its title.
• In 2015, the club was resurrected by its supporters and began as a fan-owned club in Liga Gimel.