Outgoing Israel manager Dror Kashtan is under investigation for smuggling tens of thousands of shekels worth of alcohol and cigarettes into Israel

A spokesman for Israel's Tax Authority has confirmed Kashtan was questioned today for the first time on the matter.

The alleged offences took place over several years on trips with the national team and on privately.

A Tax Authority spokesman said: “We cannot reveal details of the investigation but we can say that the investigation began some time ago and not today.

“We have been collecting material for several weeks and it was decided to invite the national team coach for questioning."

Israel FA Legal Advisor Moshe Avivi said: “We have only just been informed of these matters and we will need to study the material before responding."

IFA chairman Avi Luzon said: "Every man is innocent until proven otherwise. I hope he will be acquitted on the matter."

Kashtan was not available for comment.