AHEAD OF THE GAME: Robbie Keane is set to return to Maccabi Tel Aviv dugout after fleeing Israel amid Hamas terror attacks… while BBC seek price cut in their Premier League TV deal

Robbie Keane is moving back to Israel this weekend to take charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv for the first time since fleeing the country following the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7.

The former Republic of Ireland striker, 43, has been working remotely since being forced to shelter in a panic room and escaping Israel via Greece in the aftermath of the attacks.

The Israeli Premier League had been suspended, with Maccabi’s Europa League fixtures taking place at neutral venues in Europe.

The top flight is resuming now, however, and Keane has agreed to return as manager on a permanent basis, with Maccabi away to Hapoel Jerusalem on Sunday night.

BBC WANT PREMIER LEAGUE TV PRICE CUT 

The BBC are seeking a reduction in the £60million-a-year fee they pay the Premier League for Match of the Day because there will be fewer 3pm Saturday kick-offs in the next TV rights cycle.

Mail Sport revealed last month that the BBC would retain Premier League highlights from 2025 to 2029 as their terrestrial rivals have not bid, but the details of the package have yet to be agreed.

The Premier League are increasing the number of live matches to be broadcast from 200 to 270 each season, with most of the extra games on Sundays, so there could be as few as three Saturday afternoon kick-offs.

Although the BBC also broadcast Match of the Day 2 on Sunday nights, the Saturday show presented by Gary Lineker is their flagship programme and attracts bigger ratings.

The BBC are seeking a reduction in the £60m-a-year fee they pay the Premier League to broadcast highlights on Match of the Day 

The 3pm kick-offs are particularly important for the BBC due to the saturation coverage available elsewhere for live televised games.

This was demonstrated last Saturday when TV games Manchester City v Liverpool and Brentford v Arsenal were the last matches to be shown on Match of the Day.

POCH NEEDED CONVINCING OVER PALMER 

Mauricio Pochettino is as surprised as anyone by Cole Palmer’s superb start at Chelsea, because the manager had to be persuaded to sanction the £45million signing from Manchester City.

The Argentine felt that Chelsea had enough attacking wide players when Palmer’s name was mentioned during transfer discussions, but was convinced to press ahead by influential director of recruitment Joe Shields.

Mauricio Pochettino needed convincing over Chelsea’s deal to sign Cole Palmer from Man City

IFAB LOOK TO GET BALL ROLLING ON SIN BINS 

The International FA Board were fielding requests from leagues all over the world to trial sin-bins next season within 24 hours of giving the green light for the experiment this week. 

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham mentioned the Women’s Super League, but the governing body are yet to make a formal request, with IFAB expected to sanction individual trials at the start of next year.