The NHL has suspended Florida Panthers minority owner Doug Cifu indefinitely following a string of offensive posts on social media.
The suspension comes after a heated exchange between Cifu and a Toronto Maple Leafs fan on X (formerly Twitter), during which Cifu made inflammatory remarks that touched on the Israel-Palestine conflict and included derogatory language.
Cifu, who serves as vice chairman and alternate governor of the Panthers as well as CEO of Virtu Financial, will have an in-person meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman at a later date. Until then, he is barred from any involvement with the team or league activities.
The incident began on May 11, shortly after Florida’s Game 4 playoff win over Toronto. In response to a comment comparing headshots in hockey to using starvation in war, Cifu responded with personal attacks and comments perceived as anti-Palestinian.
The messages included calling the fan an “anti-semite loser” and concluded with a post stating, “Israel now and forever. Until every last Hamas rat is eliminated.” His X account was made private and eventually deactivated the following day.
“The NHL has concluded that Mr. Cifu’s X posts were unacceptable and inappropriate. As a result, Mr. Cifu has been suspended indefinitely from any involvement with the Club and the NHL. An in-person meeting will be scheduled with Mr. Cifu and the Commissioner at a date to be determined.”
Cifu issued a public apology via Florida Hockey Now, saying, “Two days ago, I posted regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media. My behavior does not reflect the standards of the Florida Panthers organization and the Viola family. I sincerely apologize to all those affected by my comments. I am committed to working with the NHL to amend my actions.”
The Panthers have not released their own statement beyond sharing Cifu’s remarks.
Cifu’s comments were made in a playoff context, as the Panthers and Maple Leafs are tied 2–2 in their second-round series. The series has been intense, featuring several physical confrontations, including a Game 1 incident involving Florida’s Sam Bennett and Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz.
This incident comes less than a year after the Panthers won the 2024 Stanley Cup. As a result of that championship, Cifu’s name was engraved on the trophy, placing him among the key figures in the franchise’s history.
The NHL has made clear that ownership and executive figures are expected to maintain professional conduct, particularly in public forums. While Cifu’s future involvement with the league remains uncertain, the suspension signals the league’s intent to uphold standards of respect and inclusion—regardless of playoff pressures or social media disputes.
Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
