The Norwegian-born manager, who led NYCFC to its first MLS Cup, is under police investigation after a taxi driver filed a complaint in Tel Aviv.
By J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | May 3, 2026
TEL AVIV — Ronny Deila, head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv and the manager who delivered NYCFC its first MLS Cup, is under formal police investigation in Israel after a female taxi driver filed a sexual harassment complaint. He is expected to be dismissed imminently. Though, as of the time of this article, the club has yet to part ways with their manager.
The 50-year-old Norwegian manager, who won the 2021 MLS Cup with New York City FC, was questioned by Israeli police on Thursday, May 1. Despite the active investigation, Deila coached Maccabi Tel Aviv in their Israeli Premier League match against Beitar Jerusalem on Saturday—the same day the story broke publicly.
The Complaint
According to Israeli outlets Mako and Kan, the incident occurred in the early hours of May 1. A female taxi driver filed a complaint alleging that Deila made sexually inappropriate verbal comments during a ride home.
Mako reported that Deila allegedly told the driver he wanted to have sex with her. Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, reported that he allegedly asked the driver, “Do you like d**k? What kind of d**k do you like?”
Israeli police confirmed Deila was questioned in connection with the complaint. He has not been charged as of yet; however, he was put on strict restrictions, which include staying away from the driver.
Deila’s Statement
Shortly after the story emerged, Deila issued a public statement acknowledging the incident and apologizing to the driver, the club, and supporters.
“I would like to address an issue that came up against me during the day. An incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning while I was traveling home in a taxi. I do not remember the details of the incident, as I had drunk too much and therefore chose to take a taxi. To the extent that my words offended the taxi driver, I sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize to her for that. I would also like to apologize to all the club members and to our wonderful fans. This conduct does not meet the standards and values that I set for myself. I take responsibility for the situation and undertake to learn from it, improve, and handle these matters professionally and appropriately. Again, I sincerely apologize.”
Ronny Deila – Manager Maccabi Tel Aviv
A Second Incident
The taxi complaint is the second incident involving Deila in roughly a month.
In early April, Israeli media reported that he was removed from Tel Aviv’s “Berlin” bar after staff refused to continue serving him alcohol. Israeli police confirmed the incident, stating: “A foreign citizen shouted at waiting staff and argued over a refusal of service. Officers arrived promptly and directed the individual to leave the premises, a request he reportedly followed immediately.”
However, the bar’s shift manager, Daniel Chislov, disputed that account, saying Deila “was a pleasant guest” and that “no confrontation or abusive behavior took place.”
At a post-match press conference following the bar incident, Deila dismissed the reports as “gossip” and said his focus remained on football.
Context: Deila’s Career
Deila arrived in Tel Aviv with a résumé few managers in the region could match—MLS champion, two-time Scottish Premiership winner, and a coach long regarded as a culture-builder.
He joined NYCFC in 2019 and delivered the club its first MLS Cup in 2021. Before that, he managed Celtic FC from 2014 to 2016, winning two league titles and a League Cup. He later coached Atlanta United FC before being hired by Maccabi Tel Aviv, a move the club owner, Mitch Goldhar, praised at the time.
“Ronny made a positive impression throughout the recruitment process,” Goldhar said during the hiring. “He brings a proven track record, significant experience, and strong leadership qualities.”
That reputation now stands in stark contrast to the circumstances surrounding his expected departure.
What Comes Next
Neither the club nor Deila’s representatives have issued further comment regarding his employment status as of publication.
Bad Dawg Sports will continue to follow this story — the investigation, the fallout, and what it means for one of Israel’s biggest clubs.
When a club this big hits turbulence, the truth always comes out in layers — on the record, off the record, and in the shadows where reputations rise or fall. We’ll keep digging until every angle is clear and every consequence lands where it should.
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