The Dutch international player Anwar El Ghazi clearly expressed his stance via social media after winning his case against the German club Mainz 05, which had ended his contract in 2023 due to his pro-Palestinian stances.
El Ghazi's contract was terminated following his pro-Palestinian comments on "Instagram" after the attack launched by Palestinian resistance factions on October 7, 2023, on Israeli settlements near the Gaza Strip, which caused displeasure of the German club's management.
However, the court has now ruled that the decision was wrongful, and mandated Mainz to pay 1.7 million euros (approximately 1.8 million dollars) in back wages, after the club's appeal failed.
According to the ruling, freedom of expression was prioritized over the employer's interests in this case.
El Ghazi celebrated his legal victory on the X platform, where he directed a sharp message to his former club, asserting that the club "tried again and failed again," referring to its repeated appeals in the German courts.
Before reaffirming his supportive stances for Palestine, he said: "Mainz's statement after their latest defeat reflects a state of delusion... I will never agree with any party that tries to silence voices that defend justice and humanity."
The player sharply criticized the club's management, urging decision-makers to "stop these attempts" and to comply with paying the remainder of his contract, indicating that these funds will be directed to support "noble causes, notably the children of Gaza." El Ghazi concluded his post with the phrase: "Free Palestine."
Meanwhile, Mainz responded with a reserved stance, with its president, Stefan Hofmann, stating that the club "respects the court's decision", indicating that the player's actions after the 2023 attack "do not constitute a sufficient reason to terminate his contract immediately".
"We can't remain silent"
Anwar El Ghazi was among the players who called in September 2025 within a coalition of professional athletes for the European Football Union (UEFA) to suspend Israel's participation in all competitions.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that a group of 48 athletes decided to sign a petition demanding the expulsion of Israel and its clubs from all international competitions.
French club Monaco's player Paul Pogba signed this courageous initiative, joining Moroccan Hakim Ziyech, former English Ipswich Town captain Egyptian Sam Morsi, and former English cricketer Moeen Ali, and it remains to be seen whether this petition will eventually lead to sanctions on Israel.
The statement stated: "As professional athletes from diverse backgrounds, religions, and beliefs, we believe that sports should uphold principles of justice, equity, and humanity."
It added: "Sports cannot stand by idly while athletes and civilians, including children, are killed randomly and en masse in Gaza."
The statement further stated, "International sports have previously moved to protect the integrity of sports and support the values they represent when a state's actions fundamentally breached these principles by violating human rights and international law."
It emphasized that "we are facing a new test of our collective conscience today, where silence and inaction are not acceptable options."
The statement by "Athletes for Peace" urged the European Football Union (UEFA) to immediately suspend Israel's participation in all competitions until it complies with international law and ceases killing civilians and widespread starvation.
