Mainz Terminates Anwar El Ghazi's Contract Over Controversial Israel-Gaza Social Media Posts

Player shows no remorse for pro-Palestinian posts, Mainz responds after initially lifting suspension.

German soccer club Mainz terminated the contract of Dutch forward Anwar El Ghazi due to his pro-Palestinian posts on social media regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
El Ghazi's contract was terminated with 'immediate effect' despite Mainz initially lifting his suspension and stating he showed remorse and commitment to the club's values.
In response to his contract termination, El Ghazi remained unrepentant, stating on social media, 'The loss of my livelihood is nothing when compared to the hell being unleashed on the innocent and vulnerable in Gaza.'
Mainz's decision to end the contract is reported to also be influenced by the club's historical ties, as the club's stadium is named after Eugen Salomon, a Jewish founding member who was stripped of his club functions by the Nazis and died in the Holocaust in 1942.
El Ghazi, who previously played for PSV Eindhoven, Aston Villa and Everton, had joined Mainz as a free agent in September 2023 and made only three appearances for the team since then.
El Ghazi, in further social media posts, reiterated his position, stating he is against war, violence, discrimination in all forms and stands 'for humanity and the oppressed.'