Salah Criticizes UEFA for Omitting Cause of Death in Tribute to Palestinian Footballer Suleiman al-Obeid

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has publicly condemned UEFA for its tribute to former Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, which failed to mention that he was killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza.

Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele,” was killed on Wednesday at age 41 when, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Israeli forces targeted civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.

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

In response, Salah challenged the post, asking:
“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

Born in Gaza City, Obeid played 24 international matches for the Palestinian national team. He was married with five children and was a widely respected figure in Palestinian football.

Salah, Egypt’s national captain and last season’s Premier League top scorer, has previously spoken out about the conflict. In October 2023, he urged global leaders to act:
“World leaders must come together to prevent further slaughter of innocent souls.”

The PFA reports that since the start of the war in Gaza — triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023 — at least 662 people in the sports and scouting sector have been killed, including 321 from the football community.

Salah is expected to play for Liverpool in Sunday’s Community Shield match against Crystal Palace at Wembley, the traditional kickoff to the English football season.