Million-Shekel Investment: The Businessman Aiming to Take Eilat to the Top League

Businessman David Vatori and his wife Natalie are embarking on an ambitious project with the Bnei Eilat football club from Liga Bet, aiming to turn the club into a significant force in Israeli football. In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, the couple stated they plan to invest about 6 million shekels over the next three years to reach the National League and develop the youth department.

This summer, Bnei Eilat added several well-known names, including Gil Itzhak, Gidi Kanyuk, Ofek Fishler, and Ben Yehezkel. Additionally, Kobi Refua was appointed as the club's sporting director, and Meir Cohen as the team's coach.

Vatori noted that he initially only intended to be a sponsor, but after talks with Mayor Eli Lankri, a broad plan for purchasing the club was formulated.

"The goal is to reach the National League within 3 years, with an emphasis on developing the youth department and creating a proper home for the children. All conditions in Eilat will be at the level of the Premier League. Whatever it costs, it costs," he said.

According to him, all future income from sponsors will be directed to the club's benefit. "We are not taking a single shekel for our pockets," he emphasized.

The team's budget for the upcoming season is expected to be at least 3 million shekels, rising to 3.5 million shekels per season later on. As part of the project, Oren Almog was appointed as CEO and Lulu Anka as sporting director of the youth department. The club is also promoting cooperation with Beitar Jerusalem.

Vatori emphasized that beyond signing well-known players, the club prioritizes character: "We were offered big names for less money, but we refused because we check how much ego a person has. There will not be a team here composed only of big names."