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, emphasizing that Zahavi will never be erased from the club's history. However, Ben Haim noted that some people close to Goldhar may oppose Zahavi's appointment.

Ben Haim also discussed the club's handling of player transfers and loans, highlighting that many players prefer to stay on loan at Maccabi Tel Aviv due to financial benefits, even if they do not play regularly. He mentioned that Kevin Andrade received three offers but refused to leave, wanting to fight for his place on the team. Ben Haim criticized the slow summer transfer activity compared to previous years and referenced the ongoing saga of player Roy Revivo's transfer to Sparta Prague.

Regarding Zahavi's future role, Ben Haim explained that although Zahavi has not yet completed his UEFA coaching course and might not currently want the sporting director position, if Maccabi Tel Aviv underperforms this season, Zahavi's involvement will become inevitable. He compared Zahavi's potential career path to that of Lior Refaelov at Maccabi Haifa, suggesting Zahavi might need to gain experience in smaller clubs before fully taking on the role at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Ben Haim concluded by stating that if Zahavi succeeds as a sporting director at clubs like Beitar Jerusalem or Maccabi Netanya, he deserves the position at Maccabi Tel Aviv. The interview sheds light on internal club dynamics, player management, and the anticipated return of a club legend in a leadership role.