Mainz 05 lose appeal in Anwar El Ghazi wrongful dismissal case

Mainz 05 has failed in its appeal against Dutch-Moroccan winger Anwar El Ghazi after the Rhineland-Palatinate State Labor Court upheld a ruling that the club wrongfully terminated his contract in 2023.

The Bundesliga side dismissed El Ghazi in November 2023 following social media posts in which he commented on the Israeli genocide in Gaza, including the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

In July 2024, a German court determined that his remarks were protected under freedom of expression and ordered Mainz to compensate him with €1.5 million.

The club appealed the decision, but the higher court confirmed the original judgment on Wednesday. Mainz chairman Stefan Hofmann acknowledged the ruling but insisted the club maintains its stance.

“We have to accept the court’s decision,” he said.

“However, we stand by our position: Based on the values and convictions that define Mainz 05, the continued employment of individuals who express and behave in fundamental contradiction to these values will remain out of the question.”

Following his victory, El Ghazi pledged €500,000 of the payout to support projects aiding children in Gaza.

In July 2024, he remarked, “I hope Mainz, despite their repeated failed attempts to avoid making the due payment, take solace from the knowledge that they have, through me, contributed financially in trying to make life a little more bearable for the children of Gaza.”

El Ghazi, 30, previously featured for clubs including Ajax, Lille, Aston Villa, and Everton. After leaving Mainz, he joined Cardiff City and currently plays for Al-Sailiya in Qatar.