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Court Rules El Ghazi's Dismissal Invalid Over Free Speech

11/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Rhineland-Palatinate State Labor Court upheld Anwar El Ghazi (FSV Mainz 05) dismissal as invalid, saying freedom of expression outweighed club interests.
Anwar El Ghazi's contract was terminated in November 2023 after pro-Palestinian social media posts following the Hamas attack on Israel.
Mainz will pay El Ghazi his agreed salary for the period.
Club chairman Stefan Hofmann said the club will not consider employment for individuals contradicting its values.

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Story summary

The Rhineland-Palatinate State Labor Court upheld Anwar El Ghazi (FSV Mainz 05) dismissal as invalid, saying freedom of expression outweighed club interests.
Anwar El Ghazi's contract was terminated in November 2023 after pro-Palestinian social media posts following the Hamas attack on Israel.
Mainz will pay El Ghazi his agreed salary for the period.
Club chairman Stefan Hofmann said the club will not consider employment for individuals contradicting its values.