Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Ronny Deila is under police investigation in Israel after a female taxi driver in Tel Aviv filed a complaint accusing him of making sexually charged remarks during a ride. Deila has confirmed he is the person questioned in the case and issued a public apology, saying he cannot clearly recall what happened because he had been drinking. Police say he was questioned and then released under restrictive conditions while the investigation continues.
As first reported by N12, Deila posted a statement saying, "I do not remember the details of the incident, I drank too much," and apologized both to the driver and to supporters. That account says the alleged incident took place after a night out in central Tel Aviv.
Israel Police told The Jerusalem Post that they had summoned a 50-year-old foreign national to give evidence following a complaint and then released him under restrictive conditions while the inquiry proceeds. Authorities said the investigation is still at a very early stage, and further action will depend on what investigators uncover.
Club Reaction
Maccabi Tel Aviv has not issued a formal on-the-record statement about the investigation, although the club's official site shows Deila was appointed in January. Maccabi Tel Aviv announced his hire earlier this year, and local reporting indicates club officials are already weighing his future. i24News reports that some inside the club expect a dismissal if the police probe produces damning evidence.
Allegations From The Ride
The taxi driver told police that Deila made crude sexual remarks during the journey and then refused to pay for the ride, according to N12. When the car reached its destination, witnesses and the driver reportedly called for help, and police said they may organize a formal face-to-face confrontation between the two if both sides agree.
Previous Run-Ins
Norwegian outlet VG and other publications have reported that this is not Deila's first nightlife-related incident in Israel since his arrival. VG says he was asked to leave a café and a pub earlier this month after drinking. Those reports describe mounting off-field criticism that could play into the club's decision on his future.
What Comes Next
The investigation remains open and no criminal charges have been filed so far, with police continuing to collect evidence before deciding whether to pass the case to prosecutors, according to The Jerusalem Post. How Israeli authorities proceed, and whether the club opts for immediate disciplinary action, will likely determine whether Deila stays on the touchline for the rest of the season.
Deila's Track Record
Deila, 50, took over at Maccabi in January after a managerial career across Europe and in MLS, and the club's announcement highlights his previous posts. Maccabi Tel Aviv notes his hiring, while Major League Soccer recalls that he led New York City FC to the 2021 MLS Cup title. How quickly the current probe moves, and whether it results in criminal charges, will shape Deila's short-term future with the Israeli club.
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