Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Player Confirms Eran Zahavi's Return as Sporting Director Amid Internal Club Divisions

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Tal Ben Haim revealed significant behind-the-scenes details about the club's current situation in an interview with Sport 5 on August 12, 2026. He confirmed that Eran Zahavi is expected to return to Maccabi Tel Aviv as the sporting director during Mitch Goldhar's ownership period. Ben Haim emphasized that Zahavi will never be erased from the club's history due to his contributions, although he acknowledged that some people close to Goldhar may oppose Zahavi's appointment.

Ben Haim also discussed the case of player Kevin Andrade, who reportedly rejected three offers to leave the club, choosing instead to fight for his place in the team. He explained the dynamic of Maccabi Tel Aviv's many loaned players, describing the club as a "golden cage" where players prefer to stay even without playing regularly because of the financial benefits.

Reflecting on his own transfer experience, Ben Haim recounted how he was sold to Sparta Prague with a clear buyout clause and how Mitch Goldhar confronted him when he reduced his training efforts to push for a move. He also commented on the club's slow summer transfer activity and the challenges faced, including the ongoing saga of player Roy Revivo.

Regarding Zahavi's future role, Ben Haim noted that although Zahavi has not yet completed his UEFA coaching course and may not currently want the sporting director position, if Maccabi Tel Aviv underperforms this season, Zahavi's appointment would be inevitable. He compared Zahavi's potential path to that of other sporting directors like Lior Refaelov at Maccabi Haifa, suggesting Zahavi might need to gain experience elsewhere first. Ben Haim concluded by questioning whether Zahavi should be allowed to prove himself as a sporting director at other Israeli clubs like Beitar Jerusalem or Maccabi Netanya before taking the role at Maccabi Tel Aviv.