Hapoel Ashkelon F.C. (Hebrew: מועדון כדורגל הפועל אשקלון, Moadon Kaduregel Hapoel Ashkelon) is an Israeli football club based in Ashkelon. The club is currently in Liga Leumit and plays at the 10,000-capacity Sala Stadium.
[edit] History
After being founded in 1955, Hapoel Ashkelon spent their first few decades in the lower leagues of Israeli football. In 1997, they were promoted to Liga Leumit (then the top division) as Liga Artzit champions. However, the club finished bottom of the division, with a points deduction. They were later relegated to the third tier (which became Liga Artzit following the formation of the Israeli Premier League as the top division in 1999), before returning to the second division (now Liga Leumit) in 2004. The club reached the State Cup final for the first time in 2007, but despite taking the lead, lost 5-4 on penalties to Hapoel Tel Aviv after a 1-1 draw. At the end of the season the club was relegated to Liga Artzit.
In 2008–09, the club finished second in the division and were promoted back to Liga Leumit.
In 2009–10, the club finished second in the division and were promoted back to the Israeli Premier League. Just a season later, the club finished 15th and relegated back to Liga Leumit.
[edit] Little Argentina
Over the years, Hapoel Ashkelon has developed a tradition of signing Argentine footballers, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Many times, there were two Argentine players who played together and developed an attacking partnership together.[1] Among those who have represented Argentina within the squad have been Bryan Man, Carlos Chacana, Naón Isidro, Jonny Tennenbaum, Fernando Fligman and Gastón Sangoy.
[edit] Current squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
[edit] Notable former players
See Also: Category:Hapoel Ashkelon F.C. players
[edit] Honours
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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Sharon Habazi
