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Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has taken aim at UEFA over its tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, the “Palestinian Pele,” accusing European football’s governing body of omitting key details about how the former Palestine international died.
According to the Palestine Football Association (PFA), the 41-year-old was killed on Wednesday in the southern Gaza Strip when an Israeli strike hit civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid.
UEFA marked his passing with a short message on X, calling al-Obeid “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” Salah, however, was quick to respond: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
Bassil Mikdadi, founder of the website Football Palestine, told Al Jazeera he doubted UEFA would address Salah’s criticism. “UEFA have not issued a follow-up, and frankly, I’d be surprised if they do,” he said, pointing to what he described as the “complete silence” from football authorities since the start of the war on Gaza.
Salah, 33, has previously spoken out in support of allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza during the nearly two-year conflict. Yet his latest post prompted some social media users to question why it had taken him so long to speak on what they referred to as Israel’s genocidal war.
The PFA later released a statement quoting UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, who described al-Obeid as “proof of the joy that can flourish in the hearts of people despite hardship. He gave his talent and dedication to the children of Gaza and gave their dreams a hope to blossom despite the suffering. His death is a great loss to the world of football and to everyone who recognises the power of sport to unite people.”
The association also reported that 325 members of the Palestinian football community, including players, coaches, referees, officials, and club executives, have died since the escalation of the conflict in October 2023.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @mosalah
