The Football Association and Lawn Tennis Association have opened investigations into a member of their top decision-making bodies after he said: "Adolf Hitler would be proud of Benjamin Netanyahu."
Wasim Haq, who was appointed by the FA and LTA Councils to speak for diverse communities and inclusion, apologised for causing offence and deleted Saturday's post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after the governing bodies were contacted about the comments on Israel's war with Hamas.
Lord Wolfson, chair of the FA's Football Regulatory Authority, indicated to Sky News, the 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.
Writing on X on Sunday in response to criticism, Mr Haq said: "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."
But the FA and LTA are exploring if action against Mr Haq is necessary.
The FA told Sky 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 "
The LTA added: "We are investigating this matter and for the avoidance of doubt the LTA disassociates itself from this tweet."
The FA's response to the war was criticised by Jewish and Israeli groups following its decision against lighting up the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag after the Hamas massacres on October 7.
The FA held a silence before England's match against Australia last month "to remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine".
Since 2021, Mr Haq has been in a role at the governing body for British tennis as a council member appointed to drive inclusion and diversity.
Mr Haq joined the FA Council as a "BAME Football Communities Representative" in January 2019. He also has a role with England Golf.