Mohamed Salah Criticizes UEFA for Omitting Cause of Death in Tribute to Palestinian Footballer

Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah has publicly criticized UEFA for omitting crucial details in its tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid, a prominent Palestinian footballer known as the "Palestinian Pele," who was recently killed in Gaza.

UEFA shared a brief message on X (formerly Twitter), describing Al-Obeid as "a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times." However, the post made no mention of the circumstances surrounding his death.

In response, Salah commented on UEFA’s post, asking: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

According to the Palestine Football Association, Al-Obeid, 41, was killed in an Israeli airstrike while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. A father of five, he was born in Gaza and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Palestinian football history, having played 24 official matches for the national team and scoring two goals.

Palestinian officials claim that more than 800 athletes have been killed by Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023.