Key figures, including Israel's president, Shimon Peres, and the Knesset's speaker, Dalia Itzik, are now in Kadima.

ECONOMIST: The party of the old establishment is dying under Ehud Barak

Beitar's general manager, Itzik Kornfein, issued a defiant message, saying the club would stand by its signing of Sadaev and Kadaev.

CNN: February 8, 2013 -- Updated 1554 GMT (2354 HKT)

Even though it is one of the most successful clubs in recent years, on the pitch at least, the club's General Manager, Itzik Kornfein, admitted they were fighting an uphill battle.

BBC: Beitar Jerusalem FC strives to shed racist reputation