Full Breakdown
Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Ronny Deila Investigated for Alleged Sexual Harassment
5/4/2026, 11:44:57 PM
Alleged Sexual Harassment Incident
Israeli police confirmed that Ronny Deila, 50, head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, was questioned after a female taxi driver in Tel Aviv filed a complaint alleging that he made sexual remarks during a ride on the early hours of Thursday. The coach was released the same day under restrictive conditions while the investigation continues.
Background and Recent Conduct
Deila, a former Celtic manager (2014-16) and MLS Cup-winning coach with New York City FC in 2021, took charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv in February 2026. Since arriving in Israel, he has faced media scrutiny over a separate incident at the Berlin Bar, where staff alleged he argued after being refused further alcohol. The bar’s shift manager, Daniel Chislov, later denied that Deila was drunk or abusive.
Chronology of Recent Events
- February 2026 – Appointed head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- Thursday night (date unspecified) – Alleged sexual remarks made to a taxi driver after a night of drinking.
- Weekend – Police filed a complaint and questioned a 50-year-old foreign national; the individual was released under restrictive conditions.
- Sunday – Israeli outlet N12 reported the investigation and published Deila’s statement.
Official Statements and Police Response
The Israel Police confirmed they had questioned a foreign national matching Deila’s description and released him with conditions pending further inquiry. In a written statement to N12, Deila said: “An incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, during my trip home in a taxi. I do not remember the details of the incident, as I had too much to drink and therefore chose to take a taxi.” He added, “If my words offended the taxi driver, I apologise to her sincerely and wholeheartedly… This conduct does not meet the standards and values that I set for myself. I take responsibility for the situation and will learn from it.”
Criticism, Opposition, and Unresolved Issues
Media outlets highlighted the bar episode as part of a pattern of alleged misconduct, describing earlier reports as “gossip.” Daniel Chislov contested the claim that Deila was intoxicated, stating that “nothing of what was reported happened.” Police spokespeople noted that officers had intervened at the bar, ordering the foreign citizen to leave the premises. No formal charges have been filed regarding the taxi-driver complaint, and details of the allegation remain limited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, during my trip home in a taxi. I do not remember the details of the incident, as I had too much to drink and therefore chose to take a taxi,” — Ronny Deila, Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach
- “If my words offended the taxi driver, I apologise to her sincerely and wholeheartedly for that.” — Ronny Deila
- “View 3 Images Ex Celtic boss Ronny Deila "This conduct does not meet the standards and values that I set for myself.” — Ronny Deila
- “He said: "I was present as a shift manager and nothing of what was reported happened.” — Daniel Chislov, Berlin Bar shift manager
What’s Next
The police investigation remains open, and Deila continues to coach under the imposed restrictions. Maccabi Tel Aviv has indicated it will monitor the case and may conduct its own review pending the outcome of the legal process.
