Maccabi Haifa Owner Yaakov Shahar Puts Club Up for Sale for $100 Million

After 35 years as owner of the Israeli football club Maccabi Haifa, Yaakov Shahar has officially put the team up for sale for approximately $100 million. The club confirmed the report, which was first published by Calcalist. Shahar and his partners, the heirs of Yisrael Kaz, have hired the international investment bank Raine Group, which specializes in sports industry deals, to find a buyer. The bank has begun contacting potential investors, exploring the possibility of forming a purchasing group. This group would include a Jewish billionaire holding 51% of the shares, alongside a group of high-tech professionals and Maccabi Haifa fans acquiring the remaining 49%. Under this proposed structure, minority investors would need to contribute between $5 million and $10 million each. The high-tech group is operating under the "Greentech" forum, which unites entrepreneurs and businesspeople who are fans of the club. Tom Livne, co-founder of the company Verbit, which at its peak was valued at $2 billion, is leading this initiative. Other potential investors mentioned include Ofer Ben-Nun, Tamir Bar-Ilan, Ami Sircus, Guy Nitzan, and Shimon Elkabetz. Hotelier David Fattal and businessman Udi Angel may also be involved, though it was emphasized that not all forum members are expected to participate. Shahar, 85, who considers Maccabi Haifa his "life's work," intends to sell only to a buyer who will ensure the club's future continuity. During his ownership, Maccabi Haifa won 11 league championships and 4 cups, reached the Champions League group stage three times, and developed stars like Eyal Berkovich, Haim Revivo, and Yossi Benayoun.