El Ghazi pledges Mainz pay-off to children of Gaza

Anwar El Ghazi was qualified for Morocco, but opted to represent the Dutch on the advice of Cristiano Ronaldo

Cardiff City forward Anwar El Ghazi has pledged 500,000 euro of his pay-off from former club Mainz will "fund projects for the children in Gaza" affected by the Israel-Gaza war.

In July 2024, a German court ruled the ex-Aston Villa and Everton forward El Ghazi had his contract wrongfully terminated at Mainz last season.

The 29-year-old Dutchman took a wrongful dismissal complaint to the Labour Court of Mainz after his contract was cancelled on 2 November, 2023 following a series of social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict.

In a pointed statement El Ghazi says his dispute with Mainz has never "been about money".

Mainz have been asked to comment.

"I would like to make clear that my legal battle with Mainz has never, for me, been about money," said El Ghazi

"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.

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

El Ghazi joined Cardiff at the end of July as a free agent having had his contract terminated by Bundesliga club Mainz last autumn.

He could make his Cardiff debut in Sunday's Championship south Wales derby at Swansea City.