Maccabi Haifa Fan Survey Reveals Strong Europe Ambitions and Preferred Match Times

Maccabi Haifa published the results of a fan survey on Tuesday, based on responses from 13,000 supporters about their matchday experience and relationship with the club. The findings show that 70% of fans began supporting the team because of family, while a quarter said they first connected to it by watching matches. According to the survey, 20% of the club’s subscribers are women, and the fan base is spread mainly across central Israel (45%), Haifa and the Krayot (28%), and northern communities (23%).

Supporters identified several priorities for improving the experience. A total of 80% back selling beer at stadium kiosks, 37% said strengthening the club-fan relationship should be a focus, and 14% pointed to improving access to Sammy Ofer Stadium. Safety perceptions were much higher at home than away, with 84% saying they feel safe at home matches compared with 32% at away games.

When asked about sporting goals, 66% said qualifying for European competition is the club’s top aim, while 27% chose success in Israel as the main target. Fans were also asked when they prefer Haifa to play at Sammy Ofer: 26% chose Saturday night, 25% midweek night, 20% Saturday afternoon, 14% Saturday noon, 5% Friday noon, and 9% selected other times.

Ben Peled, deputy CEO of CI Marketing Information, which conducted the survey, said the response rate was surprising and showed that Maccabi Haifa has a diverse fan base with a very strong emotional bond and deep sense of belonging. He added that the fans also pointed to dissatisfaction, especially over results in Israel and in European competitions, matchday costs, and their desire for a stronger connection with a club they want to see leading in Israel and Europe.