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1 year ago
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FA Council member Wasim Haq has resigned from his position after tweeting that 'Adolf Hitler would be proud of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu'.
Haq had been suspended by the FA for his remarks with an investigation launched and also sacked from the similar role he held on the council of the Lawn Tennis Association.
His comment came amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Posting a copy of his resignation letter to FA chair Debbie Hewitt on his X account, Haq wrote: 'This morning I have resigned from The FA. I have also reiterated my apology to the Jewish community.
'This war has left thousands dead, many of us are in despair and deeply troubled. I hope football can play a future role in easing tensions between communities.'
Wasim Haq (above) has resigned from his FA Council post after saying 'Adolf Hitler would be proud of Benjamin Netanyahu' in a social media post
The LTA council member was sacked for a tweet about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured), saying 'Hitler would be proud' and has been suspended by the FA
Haq said he'd resigned from his position on the FA Council following his remarks and reiterated his apology to the Jewish Community in his resignation letter (below)
In the resignation letter, Haq said 'recent events have left me bereft of energy and hope', adding he felt 'overwhelmed at how this has transpired'.
Haq added: 'My comment was a direct criticism of a politician, not about a race or a religious group. In expressing these feelings, I chose the wrong words entirely and that has impacted the leadership position I hold at The FA.
'Following the October 7th attacks by Hamas there are heightened emotions all around. I, like millions of others, have been deeply disturbed by the huge loss of life, this war has become a painful slaughter of innocent adults and children - a war that humanity should have avoided.
'There are no winners in this situation and I deplore anyone who wilfully leads their people towards it, be they Hamas or the Israeli government.'
Haq said he would engage with members of the Jewish community 'to share and understand'.
'At a time of heightened tensions, I believe football can begin to build bridges between communities like nothing else,' he added.
Haq initially apologised for his remarks on his X (formerly Twitter) account
Haq's position with the FA was under scrutiny and an investigation had been launched
The attack by Hamas fighters on October 7 left 1,200 people dead in Israel with about 240 taken into Gaza as hostages.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 14,000 people have been killed in Israel's retaliatory campaign.
A four-day pause in Israel's offensive, brokered to allow the release of 50 hostages from Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees, has been delayed.
On Thursday morning, Israel said it had hit 300 Hamas targets over the past 24 hours, including weapons sites and its underground tunnel network.
The FA confirmed in a statement on November 14 that Haq's conduct was under investigation.
A spokeswoman said: 'The investigation into Wasim Haq's conduct is underway and he has been suspended from his Council duties pending the outcome of the process.'
In his original apology following his offensive comments, Haq 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.
Haq posted his first apology on social media and said he stood by anyone marginalised
'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.'
Haq, who was appointed to the LTA Council in March 21 to help promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, was axed from his position.
An LTA statement read: 'The LTA Board considered this matter today and agreed that the tweet posted by Wasim Haq on 11 November 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.'
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