Azeem Akhtar resigns as Essex chair despite being cleared by investigation into anti-Semitism

"No evidence" of anti-Semitism or racism was found during the inquiry, led by Squire Patton Boggs, but Azeem has chosen to stand down barely four months into his tenure at Chelmsford

Azeem Akhtar has resigned as Essex chair despite being cleared by an investigation into anti-Semitic social media activity.

Appointed as John Faragher's permanent successor last November, he was forced to stand aside days later pending the outcome of the inquiry led by law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

It found "no evidence of anti-Semitism or racism" on the part of Azeem, however, he has chosen to stand down completely after less than four months at Chelmsford.

"These last few weeks have been very difficult for my family and me," he said. "This has taken a toll on us and I am determined to do justice to my other professional and personal commitments.  

"I am passionately committed to fighting all kinds of discrimination whether that be anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or any other kind of prejudice.

Essex's Chelmsford home (Jacques Feeney/Getty Images)

"As concluded, my social media activity is reflective of my religious and political affiliations and the strong humanitarian stance I take on conflicts around the world. 

"ECCC must lead the way with utmost sincerity in being a genuinely diverse and inclusive club. 

"I wish ECCC the very best for the coming season and will continue to support the team as I have done every season since I was a boy."

In a statement, Essex expressed their regret for Akhtar's departure and said they were "sorry to announce his resignation" and praised his "integrity" shown during the investigation.

The club insist a review of Azeem's social media history took place prior to being installed as chair last year.

Essex chief executive John Stephenson (Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Further due diligence followed after the Jewish Chronicle highlighted Azeem's online activity, provoking a statement by the anti-racism group, Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) calling for an investigation.

It leaves Essex looking for their fifth different chair in 16 months. Faragher departed in November 2021 in the wake of allegations he used the term 'n***** in the woodpile' at a 2017 board meeting, a claim he strongly denies.

Chief executive John Stephenson stepped into the breach in the interim before an entirely new board were voted in during the AGM. Sir Stephen O'Brien then took over as chair while the investigation into Azeem's alleged actions was carried out.

The news comes as the club prepares to publish the Katherine Newton KC report into historic allegations of racism at the club, which is expected before the end of February.

Related Topics

• Luc Benkenstein signs Essex contract extension
• Donovan Miller takes on Essex pathway role despite head coach interview elsewhere
• Essex pin down Daniel Sams for T20 Blast return
• Much-delayed report into racism allegations at Essex due in February