Following the verdict of the court, Mainz chairman and CEO Stefan Hofmann issued a statement accepting the ruling. He did, however, add that they will take the same actions with “individuals whose statements and actions fundamentally contradict” the values and beliefs of the club.
“We have to accept the court’s decision that the conduct of our employee following the heinous Hamas attack in 2023 did not constitute sufficient grounds for immediate termination,” said Hofmann. “However, we stand firmly by our position: 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.”
As for El Ghazi, he spent the 2024-25 season at Championship side Cardiff City, making 27 appearances and scoring three goals after signing a one-year deal with the English outfit. Over the summer, he joined Al-Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League. The former Ajax, Lille, Aston Villa, Everton, and PSV winger is tied to the club until June 2027.