Liverpool and Egypt’s star Mohamed Salah sharply criticized UEFA for issuing a tribute to Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid that omitted key details surrounding his death. Known affectionately as the “Palestinian Pelé,” al-Obeid was killed in Gaza last week while waiting for humanitarian aid, as confirmed by the Palestine Football Association (PFA).
While UEFA’s post on X paid homage—calling him “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times”—it didn’t explain how, where, or why he died. In response, Salah publicly challenged the governing body: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
Al-Obeid, 41, had played extensively for clubs including Khadamat al-Shati, Gaza Sport, and Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari, scoring over 100 goals and earning 24 international caps. His untimely death has reignited global attention to the grim humanitarian toll of the conflict. The PFA reports a staggering impact: 421 footballers (including 103 children) have perished since the war began, with 288 sports facilities destroyed or damaged across the region.
Salah’s response echoed beyond social media: former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joined the chorus in support, replying “Well said Mo!” to Salah’s post. Arsenal legend Gary Lineker also voiced dismay on Instagram, writing: “We can’t hear you, UEFA.”
Experts point out that the omission by UEFA reflects a broader reluctance within sports institutions to acknowledge human rights violations head-on. “This moment underlines how influential athletes like Salah serve not only as icons on the pitch but also moral forces,” says Dr. Amira Zaki, a sports ethics researcher at the American University in Cairo. “Demanding clarity isn’t just symbolic—it reinforces accountability.”
Salah’s activism follows a pattern: in 2023, he urged global leaders to stop massacres and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating, “All lives are sacred… The massacres need to stop.”
Salah’s question tackles the World’s growing agony of How and Why These raids continue killing Children, Women, Elders and the Country’s talents.
