NHL suspends Panthers minority owner Douglas Cifu over “unacceptable” social media posts

The NHL has indefinitely suspended Florida Panthers minority owner Douglas Cifu for allegedly making offensive posts on social media. The suspension bars him from taking part in any team or league activities.

The issue began on May 11, after the Panthers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4. Cifu engaged in an argument on X (formerly Twitter) with a Maple Leafs fan. The fan compared the Panthers' playing style to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In response, Cifu posted strong messages supporting Israel and used insulting language. He called the fan a “51st state anti-Semite loser.” The posts were later deleted, and Cifu’s account was suspended.

The NHL found his remarks “unacceptable and inappropriate” and took action. Cifu is expected to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman as part of the disciplinary process at a later date.


Cifu is the Panthers’ vice chairman and alternate governor. He is also the CEO of Virtu Financial, a firm he co-founded with Panthers owner Vincent Viola. Cifu’s name was engraved on the Stanley Cup after the team’s first-ever championship win last year.

In a statement, Cifu expressed regret. “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,” he said.

The Panthers have not issued a separate statement and are relying on Cifu’s apology. The NHL has not announced how long the suspension will last or what further steps may follow.