Maccabi Haifa Basketball Appoints Shay Yohai Klausner as New Team Manager

Maccabi Haifa basketball is set for a significant change as Shay Yohai Klausner is expected to take over management of the senior team for the upcoming season. Klausner, a member of Maccabi Haifa's board and owner of a major insurance agency, joined the board about a year ago. His responsibility will focus solely on the senior team, while the youth division will remain under the club's direct management. This development follows the club's decision to reject an offer from former CEO Asaf Rozenblat and a group of American businessmen, who sought control over the entire basketball branch, including the youth sector.

Following the rejection of Rozenblat's proposal, Maccabi Haifa's chairman, CPA Amit Gonen, stated that efforts are ongoing to find a buyer for the basketball team. Klausner is now emerging as a potential solution and is already involved in preparations for the next season. Coach Benny Katz, who recently returned to lead the team in the National League, is working closely with Klausner on assembling the roster within the expected budget.

The club emphasized that it is reviewing several offers from potential buyers and is not negotiating through the media, promising official updates on significant developments. Klausner expressed his commitment to the club, highlighting his long-standing support and desire to see Maccabi Haifa succeed and return to its natural place in the Israeli Premier League and basketball elite. He refrained from commenting further on ongoing talks or future plans at this stage.