The Dubliner has informed the club of his intention to depart after just one season in charge. Canadian owner Mitch Goldhar attempted to persuade Keane to stay, but was unsuccessful in his attempts to do so. Keane confirmed the development in a statement to the Irish Independent on Thursday night.
He steered Maccabi to a league title in impressive fashion, finishing 11 points clear of second placed Maccabi Haifa, the club they also defeated in a penalty shootout to claim the Israeli version of the League Cup. He also led his club to the knock out stages of the Europa Conference League where they were knocked out by eventual winners Olympiacos. But Keane has come under increased scrutiny for working in Israel given ongoing events in Gaza.
He shrugged off comments about political matters when he was appointed last June, but the escalation post October 7 has placed even more spotlight on his decision. Comments by Ireland’s record goalscorer in the aftermath of league success did raise questions about his longer term intentions. Sources close to Keane have indicated that he had made the decision to leave at the end of the campaign before that title was secured.
And he has removed references to the club from his Instagram account ahead of an announcement on Friday. Maccabi confirmed the news this morning, adding that Keane’s backroom staff including former Ireland international Rory Delap will be leaving with him. In his statement to the Irish Independent, Keane said: “It ha.
