Maccabi Haifa Basketball Appoints Shay Yohai Klausner as New Team Manager

Maccabi Haifa basketball is undergoing a significant leadership change ahead of the upcoming season. Shay Yohai Klausner, a member of the Maccabi Haifa association's board and owner of a major insurance agency, is expected to take over management of the senior basketball team. Klausner joined the board about a year ago and will focus solely on the senior team, while the youth division remains under the association's control.

This development follows the association's decision to reject a proposal from former CEO Asaf Rozenblat and a group of American businessmen, who sought control over the entire basketball branch, including the youth department. After that proposal was shelved, association chairman Amit Gonen stated efforts are ongoing to find a buyer, with Klausner emerging as a likely candidate.

Klausner is already involved in preparations for the new season, working alongside coach Benny Katz, who recently returned to lead the team in the national league. Katz is assembling the roster in coordination with Klausner, aligning with the expected budget framework.

The Maccabi Haifa association confirmed it is reviewing multiple offers from potential buyers but is not negotiating publicly and will provide official updates when significant progress occurs. Klausner expressed his commitment to the club, emphasizing his dedication to helping Maccabi Haifa regain its natural place in the Israeli Premier League and basketball elite, though he declined to comment further on ongoing discussions at this stage.