The FA has suspended council member Wasim Haq over comments he made in relation to the Israel-Hamas war and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Haq claimed in a social media post – since deleted – over the weekend that “Adolf Hitler would be proud of Benjamin Netanyahu” amid Israel’s ongoing military action in Gaza.
The Lawn Tennis Association removed Haq, who was appointed in March 2021 to help promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, from its council on Monday and the FA has suspended him with an investigation ongoing.
An FA spokeswoman said on Tuesday: “The investigation into Wasim Haq’s conduct is under way and he has been suspended from his Council duties pending the outcome of the process.”
Haq joined the FA council as BAME football communities representative in 2019 and has also been on the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board.
English football’s national governing body told Sky Sports News: “Wasim Haq has deleted the tweet and apologised for causing offence. We are aware of the content of the tweet – it is unacceptable, highly offensive, and we are investigating.”
An LTA statement issued on Monday read: “The LTA Board considered this matter today and agreed that the tweet posted by Wasim Haq on November 11 was unacceptable and in no way reflects the LTA’s position or values.
“Therefore the board have agreed that Wasim Haq will be removed from his role as an independent councillor with immediate effect.”
Haq, whose X – formerly Twitter – bio says he also serves on the board of England Golf and the Football Association Council, apologised for his initial post on Sunday.
He wrote: “It has been brought to my attention that a tweet I published yesterday has caused offence. I have deleted the tweet and apologise unreservedly to anyone that has felt offended.”
He later added: “My tweet was directly in relation to comparing two individuals who in my eyes have caused contemporary and historical irreparable harm to victimised communities on both sides of this tragic conflict.
“I am not and never have been the kind of person that targets anyone or any community over any difference ever. I am NOT antisemitic and have never been accused of being so.
“I unreservedly apologise if this was taken in any other way. Anyone who knows me will know that I stand to be counted on behalf of every community that is being marginalised in any way whatsoever and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
“To all those that are offended, I deeply apologise – and I continue to pray for an end to the needless loss of any life during this tragic conflict.”
