Salah Criticises UEFA for ‘Palestinian Pele’ Tribute: “Tell Us How He Died”

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has criticised Europe’s football governing body UEFA for posting a tribute to “Palestinian Pele” Suleiman al-Obeid that failed to mention the former international footballer was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Gaza Strip.

Obeid was fatally wounded on Wednesday as Israeli forces struck a group waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).

UEFA posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”

In response, Egyptian striker Salah posted:
“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

Born in Gaza City, Obeid was a family man, married with five children. He earned 24 caps playing for the Palestinian national team.

In October 2023, Salah called on world leaders to unite in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, aiming to “prevent further slaughter of innocent souls.”

The Gaza war, which erupted after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in significant losses across various sectors, including sports.

Salah, who was the Premier League’s top scorer last season, is scheduled to play for Liverpool on Sunday in the Community Shield at Wembley against Crystal Palace. The match traditionally serves as the curtain-raiser for the English football season.