By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv Basketball has issued a formal statement condemning recent media coverage that the club claims is designed to create unnecessary friction.
The Israeli announcement, released shortly before an English edition on Sunday, specifically addresses the ‘systematic disrespect’ directed toward head coach Dimitris Itoudis, citing biased editing and repeated personal attacks from various media outlets as a breach of professional standards.
The club took particular aim at a recent monologue delivered by Eli Ohana on the Sports Channel, describing it as a departure from appropriate professional discourse. In response to this perceived ‘unacceptable conduct’, the team has officially notified the Sports Channel that it will be restricting media access, with pre- and post-game interviews limited to just two questions, which must focus exclusively on the game at hand.
In recent days we have noticed a series of inaccurate media reports regarding Hapoel Tel Aviv, apparently intended to create unnecessary tension around the club.
While we welcome the growing attention the club receives, reports that were not verified with Hapoel Tel Aviv, or… pic.twitter.com/4RNhrz2SDT
— Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) March 8, 2026
Per the press release: “In recent days we have noticed a series of inaccurate media reports regarding Hapoel Tel Aviv, apparently intended to create unnecessary tension around the club.
While we welcome the growing attention the club receives, reports that were not verified with Hapoel Tel Aviv, or published without receiving an official response from the club, do not reflect the reality within the club and should be viewed accordingly.
During these challenging times, Hapoel Tel Aviv remains fully united – ownership, management, coaches, players and staff – focused on our professional goals and continuing to build the club as a leading basketball organization.
Our focus remains where it belongs: the team, our fans and our success on the court.”
Besides the ongoing suspension of the 2025-26 Regular Season of Israel’s Winner League, the Tel Aviv outfit sits fifth in the EuroLeague standings with a 17–11 record.