Dutch forward Anwar El Ghazi has spoken out after securing yet another legal victory over FSV Mainz 05, as the long-running dispute over his controversial dismissal edges toward a final resolution.
The latest development comes after Germany’s Federal Labour Court rejected Mainz’s attempt to continue the case, effectively upholding earlier rulings that declared the club’s termination of El Ghazi’s contract unlawful. The decision makes previous judgments in the player’s favour legally binding and leaves the Bundesliga side with no further avenue of appeal.
Reacting to the outcome, El Ghazi criticised Mainz’s persistence in pursuing appeals, describing their actions as unnecessary and reiterating that justice has consistently been delivered in his favour. He called on the club to stop prolonging the legal process and to fulfil all outstanding contractual obligations owed to him.
The case dates back to October 2023, when Mainz suspended El Ghazi over social media posts expressing support for Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The club later terminated his contract in November 2023, citing concerns over his statements.
El Ghazi strongly rejected the club’s stance, maintaining that he would not remain silent and insisting he had no regrets about his comments, particularly regarding the humanitarian situation affecting civilians and children in Gaza.
In July 2024, a German labour court ruled that Mainz had wrongfully terminated El Ghazi’s contract, ordering the club to pay outstanding wages.
Subsequent appeals by Mainz were dismissed, with higher courts consistently upholding the original judgment. Judges ruled that El Ghazi’s statements were protected under freedom of expression and did not justify summary dismissal.
The courts also affirmed that Mainz must honour the financial terms of his contract, including salary payments covering the disputed period.
Following the latest ruling, El Ghazi reaffirmed that his stance has never been about financial gain but about principle. He has previously pledged portions of his compensation toward humanitarian causes supporting children in Gaza, underlining his continued advocacy.
With the legal process now effectively concluded, the focus shifts to Mainz’s compliance with the ruling, as El Ghazi insists the club must now meet its contractual obligations without further delay.
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