Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has publicly challenged UEFA for failing to mention the circumstances surrounding the death of former Palestinian national team player Suleiman Al-Obeid, killed in Gaza earlier this week.
In a brief tribute posted on X, European football’s governing body hailed Al-Obeid as the “Palestinian Pelé,” praising his talent and the hope he inspired. The message made no reference to the conflict or the cause of death.
Responding on Saturday, Salah wrote: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” His post rapidly gained traction, amassing more than 840,000 likes by the evening. UEFA has not expanded on its statement, though the Palestine Football Association later shared what it said was a condolence message from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, lauding Al-Obeid’s resilience and legacy.
The PFA said the 41-year-old was killed by an Israeli strike while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, and had scored more than 100 goals over his career. It reported that 325 members of Palestine’s football community — including players, coaches, referees and officials — have been killed since the war began in October 2023.
The UN says more than 1,300 people have died while seeking food since late May, with over 800 killed near aid distribution points linked to the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Salah, the most high-profile Arab player in global football, has repeatedly called for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza “immediately” and urged an end to the “massacres.” Palestine has been recognised by FIFA since 1998 and competed in the past three Asian Cups, though it has yet to qualify for the World Cup.
Al-Obeid’s death has sparked renewed debate over sport’s role in acknowledging human suffering amid conflict.
