Sports Shorts

Eyal Golasa's contract saga came to a close yesterday with the midfielder renewing his contract with Maccabi Haifa for four and a half years. The last barrier was agreeing on the price for releasing him to Europe, which the two sides set at four million euros. The contract dispute started after Golasa signed a five-year deal with Italian powerhouse Lazio at the end of January. He reportedly changed his mind about Lazio a few days later. "Golasa is also sick of this saga," said Dede Hadad, his agent, yesterday after the signing. "We set a price that European clubs could afford." Golasa, who is recovering from a hip injury, is expected to be drafted into the IDF in July. Haifa officials said the exit clause is more formal than practical. (Moshe Harush)

A day after losing to Ramat Hasharon in the women's basketball State Cup final, head coach Ro'i Eisenberg resigned from his position with Elitzur Ramle. The departure stems not from the loss but interference by mayor Yoel Lavi and the sharp criticism he suffered before and after the contest, sources familiar with the team said yesterday. "I came to Ramle to win a double title. We lost the Cup and in the current circumstances I feel I can't win the championship," he said yesterday. "I don't feel that I failed." Eisenberg refused to discuss mayor Lavi directly, but did say he doesn't get any peace and quiet at work. "People want me to take out the garbage, but I won't," he said. Noa Recanati, who was replaced by Eisenberg, will return to coaching the team. (Arie Livnat)