Mohamed Salah Criticizes UEFA Over Tribute to Late Palestinian Footballer

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah publicly criticized UEFA’s tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid, the late Palestinian footballer known as the “Palestinian Pele,” after the European football governing body omitted details about the circumstances of his death. Al-Obeid, 41, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting civilians awaiting humanitarian aid in southern Gaza on Wednesday.

UEFA’s Tribute and Salah’s Response

UEFA honored Al-Obeid in a social media post, describing him as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” However, the statement did not mention how or where he died. Salah, one of the Premier League’s most prominent players, responded sharply on social media, asking: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” UEFA has not yet commented on Salah’s remarks.

Palestine Football Association’s Statement

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) later shared a statement attributed to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, praising Al-Obeid as “proof of the joy that can flourish in the hearts of people despite hardship.” The statement added that the late footballer “gave his talent and dedication to the children of Gaza and gave their dreams a hope to blossom despite the suffering.”

The PFA also confirmed that Al-Obeid’s death was a significant loss to football and highlighted his role in inspiring young athletes in Gaza.

Football Community’s Loss in the Israel-Hamas Conflict

The PFA revealed that since October 2023, at least 325 players, coaches, referees, and football administrators from the Palestinian football community have been killed in the ongoing conflict. The war began after Hamas launched a cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Israel’s military response has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing most of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents and pushing the region to the brink of famine, as reported by the United Nations. The UN also stated that more than 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution sites since late May, when a U.S. and Israel-backed humanitarian aid system was introduced.

Salah, an Egyptian international, has been vocal about the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza throughout the conflict. His latest remarks reflect growing frustration over the lack of acknowledgment of Palestinian casualties in global football discourse.