The court ruled that El Ghazi’s statements were “protected by freedom of expression” and that Mainz’s decision to fire the player was unfair.
Germany’s labor court on Friday ruled that German football club Mainz 05 had unfairly terminated the contract of its Moroccan-born Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi over comments he made on social media about the Israeli war on Gaza.
The court in the city of Mainz said in a statement that it ruled in favor of El Ghazi, 29, who filed a lawsuit against the club.
🚨 German Labour Court rules that the termination of Anwar El Ghazi by FSV Mainz 05 was invalid.
He was suspended, then re-included in the squad but mentioned again that he does not regret showing support for Palestine and contract was terminated. pic.twitter.com/8q3ylfuvBA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2024
The ruling canceled the “extraordinary dismissal without warning” of the former Dutch international, considering that Mainz’s decision to terminate the contract “did not terminate the employment relationship,” and the communication between the two parties remained in effect.
For its part, the German sports agency confirmed that the court demanded that Mainz 05 pay $ 1.63 million for salaries and bonuses arrears, ruling that the play may rejoin his team.
We love you Anwar El Ghazi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zjsyC49yA7
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) July 12, 2024
Mainz had suspended El Ghazi in October after he shared posts on social media following the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza.
The former Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Lille, Aston Villa and Everton player had used in his posts the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be liberated”.
The court ruled that El Ghazi’s statements were “protected by freedom of expression” and that Mainz’s decision to fire the player was unfair.
(AJA, PC)
Correct decision by the labor court. Lesson learned for this football club.
I don’t hear anything from Mo Salah.