Basketball Association Sued for One Million Shekels Over Alleged Workplace Bullying
Sigal Biton, a former senior official at the Israel Basketball Association, filed a one-million-shekel lawsuit citing severe workplace harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination.
A lawsuit demanding approximately one million shekels in compensation has been filed in the Regional Labor Court against the Israel Basketball Association, Referees Association Chairman Assi Shalem, and Center Region Manager Nir Segal.
The plaintiff, Sigal Biton, served for 11 years as a secretariat referee and since 2021 as deputy manager of the Center Region, until her dismissal in September 2025. According to the statement of claim, Biton endured a continuous campaign of professional and personal harassment by her superiors.
Harassment and Discriminatory Remarks
The lawsuit highlights the conduct of Nir Segal, who allegedly sent degrading messages including phrases such as "you are at the lowest level,Madame tragedy," and "has the Alzheimer's returned?" alongside derogatory ethnic comments. Biton also points to gender discrimination, noting she was the sole female deputy regional manager, and alleges her dismissal aimed to preserve an all-male management structure.
"The lady does not know who her boss is," was reportedly stated during her disciplinary hearing, according to transcripts included in the filing.
Association Response and Legal Demands
Biton is seeking compensation for wrongful termination, workplace bullying, defamation, and discrimination, alongside a legal remedy to annul her firing. In response, the Basketball Association and Referees Association rejected all allegations, stating that Biton was represented by the Histadrut and lawyers during her hearing without raising such claims at the time.
