Footballer El Ghazi to donate $560,000 Mainz severance to support children in Gaza

Anwar El Ghazi, a Dutch winger of Moroccan descent, will donate €500,000 ($560,000) of his Mainz payout to Gaza children, he confirmed on Friday.

"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," El Ghazi said on X.

"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 added.

"Secondly, in attempting to silence me, making my voice even louder for the oppressed and voiceless in Gaza," the 29-year-old said.

The Mainz Labor Court ruled that the Dutch player's statements fell within the scope of freedom of expression and his dismissal was "invalid.”

The court ordered El Ghazi to continue to be paid his monthly salary of €150,000 ($163,500) and to be reinstated.

Mainz first suspended and then warned El Ghazi in October about the "River to the sea" phrase he used on Instagram.

Then, Mainz 05 management announced that Anwar El Ghazi was pardoned after the talks.

"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is a Palestinian slogan that refers to the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which includes Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

El Ghazi completed a transfer to Cardiff City as a free agent on a one-year contract in August.