Wasim Haq: Lawn Tennis Association removes council member who claimed ‘Hitler would be proud of Netanyahu’

The Lawn Tennis Association has removed a member of its top decision-making body after he said: “Adolf Hitler would be proud of Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Wasim Haq, who was appointed by the LTA and Football Association councils to speak for diverse communities and inclusion, had apologised following his controversial social media post.

He is still on the FA’s council, although an investigation is ongoing.

The LTA said: “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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Writing on X on Saturday, Mr Haq said of the Israeli prime minister: “Netanyahu has sacrificed his own people to maintain power… whilst #Palestinians are trying to maintain their sanity. Adolf Hitler would be proud of Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Mr Haq deleted the post and more than three hours later 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.”

In response to criticism, Mr Haq posted on Sunday: “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.”

Mr Haq – whose X bio says he also serves on the board of England Golf – had been in a role at the governing body for British tennis as a council member appointed to drive inclusion and diversity since 2021.

A matter of ‘the utmost seriousness’

Lord Wolfson KC, barrister and chair of the FA’s Football Regulatory Authority, indicated to Sky News the social media post would go against the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance code, which the FA adopted and warns against comparing contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

He also said the matter should be “treated with the utmost seriousness” and has asked the FA’s chair, Debbie Hewitt, for a “formal and urgent investigation”.

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“Taking down the tweet and apologising is the minimum. That is necessary but it plainly can’t be a sufficient response,” he added.

The FA told Sky News earlier they are “aware” of the post and described it as “unacceptable” and “highly offensive”.

“We are investigating,” the body added.