MOSCOW/KIEV, Dec. 13 - Alex Shnaider and Eduard Shifrin, founders and co- owners of the Midland Group, which owns various assets in Russia and Ukraine, are buying a controlling stake in Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv football club.

"I can confirm that I and my business partner Eduard Shifrin have reached agreement with Maccabi Tel Aviv Sporting Club regarding the acquisition of the football club," Shnaider said in a statement.