El Ghazi Court Victory: Mainz Ordered to Pay Full Salary

Anwar El Ghazi Court Victory Sets Precedent for Mainz 05

Anwar El Ghazi court victory headlines a significant legal and footballing moment, as the former Netherlands international has triumphed in his dispute with Bundesliga club Mainz 05. The court ordered Mainz to pay El Ghazi his full salary following his controversial dismissal in 2023 over pro-Palestinian social media posts, marking a pivotal outcome for freedom of expression in football.

Anwar El Ghazi Court Victory Against Mainz 05

The legal battle started in late 2023 after El Ghazi posted on Instagram about the Israel-Gaza conflict, using language that Mainz deemed incompatible with the club’s values. El Ghazi’s posts sparked suspension and an eventual unilateral termination of his contract, as the club claimed the player had expressed remorse. However, El Ghazi openly refuted this, insisting he stood by his statements and did not apologize.

Mainz attempted to defend their position in court, but the Rhineland-Palatinate State Labour Court ruled that El Ghazi’s right to freedom of expression outweighed the club’s grounds for dismissal. As a result, El Ghazi was awarded €1.5 million, covering his salary from November 2023 to July 2024. Mainz’s appeal to reclaim these wages was swiftly rejected, solidifying El Ghazi’s legal vindication.

El Ghazi Responds: No Regrets and Strong Words for Mainz

Following the latest legal ruling, El Ghazi did not hold back, taking to Instagram to mock Mainz as “serial losers” and labeling their actions “baseless” and “deluded.” He expressed gratitude to the German courts for upholding justice and reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out for justice and humanity. El Ghazi made it clear that he would never align himself with organizations seeking to silence advocates for Palestine, stating, “Let this latest victory send a loud and clear message to the warmongers, their accomplices, and the deluded board members of FSV Mainz 05: you cannot, and will not, silence the voices of the Palestinians and their advocates.”

Mainz Stand Firm Despite Legal Setback

Despite losing the case, Mainz chairman and CEO Stefan Hofmann released a statement accepting the court’s decision but reiterated the club’s principles. Hofmann emphasized that, regardless of the verdict, Mainz would continue to act against employees whose statements fundamentally contradict the club’s core values. “Based on the values and principles that define Mainz 05, there can be no future employment for individuals whose statements or actions fundamentally contradict them,” Hofmann asserted.

El Ghazi’s Career Moves After Mainz Saga

After his contract with Mainz was terminated, El Ghazi signed with Cardiff City, making 27 appearances and scoring three goals during the 2024-25 Championship season. The winger, who previously played for Ajax, Lille, Aston Villa, Everton, and PSV, moved to Al-Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League in summer 2025, where he is contracted until June 2027.

The Wider Significance: Freedom of Expression in Football

The Anwar El Ghazi court victory is likely to be referenced in future cases involving athlete speech and club discipline. The verdict underscores the growing importance of balancing organizational values with individual rights in professional sports. It is also a stark reminder to clubs that legal frameworks will protect players’ freedom of expression, even when their views are contentious or politically charged.

Opinion: Clubs Must Tread Carefully When Balancing Values and Rights

This high-profile case between El Ghazi and Mainz 05 is a wake-up call for football clubs across Europe. While maintaining organizational values is important, clubs must ensure their actions respect legal protections for individual expression. El Ghazi’s court victory sends a clear message: the football world cannot ignore the rights of its players, even in controversial times. For more news on legal developments in football, visit for more news.