History in Rehovot: New football team established, what is the future for Marmorek and Sha'arayim?
Rehovot Mayor Matan Dil has announced the establishment of a new city football team, Ironi Rehovot, alongside the construction of a new stadium. The team will compete in Liga Alef starting next season, while Maccabi Sha'arayim and Hapoel Marmorek will continue their activities in Liga Gimel.
The Rehovot Municipality announced on Monday, August 10, the establishment of the new football club "Ironi Rehovot," which is set to begin operations as early as the upcoming season (subject to Association approval) and will serve as the city's official municipal football club.
The decision follows a long period of negotiations led by Mayor Matan Dil, involving the municipality, the municipal company, club managements, and representatives of all local football stakeholders who chose to join forces for the future of the sport.
The new club will be managed by a private non-profit organization and will include both senior and youth departments. The senior team will integrate into Liga Alef starting next season, with the goal of building a professional, stable, and sustainable club.
Simultaneously, Hapoel Marmorek and Maccabi Sha'arayim will play in the upcoming season in Liga Gimel as part of an agreed-upon framework. The clubs will receive municipal support to regulate their activities, ensuring the continuation of their sporting efforts.
This plan marks a significant moment in Rehovot's sports history, born out of public responsibility and the understanding that the well-being of the city's athletes and fans requires long-term thinking and unity.
Alongside the establishment of the new club, the plan honors the legacy of the city's historical teams. The move seeks to combine respect for the past with the creation of a stronger, more professional future. Maccabi Rehovot and Bnei Yichalal are also significant partners in this new path, bringing their traditions and unique contributions to the city's football scene.
Mayor Matan Dil addressed the historic event on his Facebook account:
"History in Rehovot! After long months of hard work, I am proud to announce the establishment of the football club 'Ironi Rehovot' — the new home for municipal football, which will begin its journey as early as the upcoming season in Liga Alef.
This historic move expresses the vision I believe in: to respect the past, connect communities, put old disputes aside, and dare to dream big together. We have created a new foundation for Rehovot football with standards of professionalism and long-term thinking, which will allow us to provide a framework for the next generation of footballers.
At the same time, we do not forget where we came from. Hapoel Marmorek and Maccabi Sha'arayim are an inseparable part of the city's history, identity, and the families built around them over decades. We will ensure support for these veteran clubs, allowing them to turn a new page. This is just the opening whistle."
