Abhay Singh
Anwar El Ghazi has pledged to donate 500,000 euros ($559,500) to children in Gaza, one-third of the payout he received from Mainz 05 for wrongfully terminating his contract over his support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.
The Bundesliga club suspended him in October due to his social media post.
A German court ruled last month that his contract was wrongfully terminated
El Ghazi’s contract with Mainz was illegally terminated, according to a German court ruling, and he was due 1.7 million euros in pay for the previous nine months.
After being paid 1.5 million euros by Mainz as compensation for his termination, Anwar El Ghazi swiftly found a new home with Cardiff City where he signed a new contract, showcasing his determination to continue his football career despite the challenging circumstances surrounding his departure from Mainz.
A club official told Reuters on Saturday that Mainz had complied with the court’s order and made the money, but they will file an appeal against the decision once they obtained the written grounds for the decision.
“I would like to take this moment to thank Mainz”
El Ghazi wrote on social media “I would like to take this moment to thank Mainz for two things. Firstly, for the substantial financial pay-off, 500k of which will be used to fund projects for the children in Gaza. I hope Mainz, despite their repeated failed attempts to avoid making the due payment, take solace from the knowledge that they have, through me, contributed financially in trying to make life a little more bearable for the children of Gaza.”
He continued “Secondly, in attempting to silence me, making my voice even louder for the oppressed and voiceless in Gaza.”
Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people and abducted 250 on October 7. Israel’s military leveled Gaza, displaced 40,000 inhabitants, and killed 17,000 militants, while Palestinian health authorities reported 17,000 killed. Israel claims to have killed 17,000 militants.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings