LAFC co-owner faces backlash after sharing anti-Israel posts

In early February 2025, Ruben Gnanalingam, a part-owner of the Los Angeles Football Club and vice chairman of Queen's Park Rangers in England, faced substantial criticism following his social media activities. Gnanalingam reportedly reshared several posts deemed anti-Israel on his LinkedIn page, including statements calling for the dismantling of Israel and drawing comparisons between the conflict in Gaza and the Holocaust. The issue initially came to light through an investigation by the group GnasherJews, who alerted The Jewish Chronicle, intensifying scrutiny on Gnanalingam's actions. The response from Major League Soccer and the Los Angeles Football Club was swift and unequivocal. Both organizations jointly condemned Gnanalingam's reposts, labeling them as deeply offensive and reiterated their commitment to unity and opposition to hate in any form. The backlash prompted Gnanalingam to issue a public apology, expressing his remorse for the distress caused and stating that it was never his intention to offend. In his apology, Gnanalingam acknowledged his responsibility for not exercising greater caution when sharing these posts. He communicated his commitment to learning from this incident and emphasized his dedication to handling public communication more carefully in the future. Alongside his vow to withdraw from social media temporarily, Gnanalingam's future interactions with MLS, LAFC, and QPR will likely involve efforts to promote understanding and respect within his communications. As the situation unfolds, the case illustrates a significant challenge facing public figures, especially in sports, where their messages can have far-reaching consequences. The incident has sparked dialogue about the accountability of individuals in high-profile positions regarding their expressions on social media, especially while representing organizations that advocate for diversity and inclusivity. It remains to be seen how Gnanalingam's actions will affect his role at LAFC and wider implications for similar situations in sports contexts.