Football Association (FA) council member Wasim Haq resigned from his position on Thursday after being suspended over a social media post concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Haq, who had served as the BAME Football Communities Representative since 2019, faced suspension by the English soccer governing body for a post that stated “Adolf Hitler would be proud of (Israel’s Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu,” a post he has since removed.
Additionally, he was removed from his role as an independent councillor at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
Haq shared his resignation letter addressed to FA chair Debbie Hewitt on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
“Recent events have left me bereft of energy and hope. I have felt overwhelmed at how this has transpired,” the letter read.
“As someone who has worked closely with many Jewish people over the years and created meaningful and valued friendships, the most painful part of this process is knowing that some of those friends and colleagues may not forgive me for the misunderstanding and hurt I have unintentionally caused.
“I take full responsibility and reiterate my apology to them and all those affected.”
Haq added that his original post was a “direct criticism of a politician” and was not addressed to any race or religious group.
“In expressing these feelings, I chose the wrong words entirely and that has impacted the leadership position that I hold at The FA,” Haq said.
Haq also said that he was planning to engage with members of the Jewish community “to share and understand”.