Liverpool forward and Egypt international Mohamed Salah has publicly questioned UEFA’s response to the death of Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) reported that Al-Obeid, aged 41, was killed on Wednesday during an Israeli military attack on civilians seeking humanitarian aid in Southern Gaza.
On Friday, UEFA posted a tribute to the player on X, reading: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’.
“A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
Salah replied to the post, saying: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
Salah’s post has gone viral, garnering over one million likes and over 305,000 reposts, amplifying questions about UEFA’s neutrality and the broader silence from football’s governing bodies.
Mohamed Salah’s ongoing advocacy for Palestine
The Egyptian star’s response to UEFA’s post is consistent with his continued advocacy for humanitarian aid in the region since the conflict began.
In October 2023, only a week after the conflict escalated, Salah released a video condemning the violence.
He called for an end to the ‘massacres’ in Gaza and urged world leaders to act to “prevent further slaughter to innocent souls.”
“Aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately,” said Salah. “The people there are in terrible conditions.”
“There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality,” said the Egypt team captain.
Salah also donated to the Egyptian Red Crescent to help fund relief efforts in the region.
Remembering Suleiman al-Obeid
Suleiman al-Obeid was a beloved player in Palestine.
Affectionately referred to as the ‘Palestinian Pele’ for his unique talent, al-Obeid was one of the stars of Palestinian football.
He earned 24 caps for the national team and scored two international goals.
One of his most memorable moments came in 2010 when he scored with a stunning scissor kick against Yemen in the West Asian Football Federation championship.
The PFA posted a touching statement on their Facebook, saying al-Obeid was “proof of the joy that can flourish in the hearts of people despite hardship.”
“He gave his talent and dedication to the children of Gaza and gave their dreams a hope to blossom despite the suffering,” the statement read.
“His death is a great loss to the world of football and to everyone who recognises the power of sport to unite people.”
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The human toll of the conflict
Over 63,000 people are reported to have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
At least 662 Palestinian sportspeople have died during this time, including more than 420 footballers.
The PFA has reported that 288 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed across Palestinian Territories, including stadiums, training grounds, and gyms.
Among these sites was the PFA headquarters in Gaza, hit during an air raid.
More than 1,300 civilians have reportedly been killed while trying access aid at distribution sites.
Silence in the football world
Mohamed Salah remains one of the few high-profile voices in football consistently calling attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
While many players and institutions have chosen to stay silent, criticism has grown over the apparent double standards in how global football responds to international conflicts.
Neither UEFA nor FIFA have imposed sanctions on Israel since the conflict began.
In contrast, Russia was banned from international and European competition in 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
This inconsistency has drawn criticism from prominent figures such as Gary Lineker, who has publicly questioned the lack of action from football’s governing bodies.
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Growing pressure on Israel and football’s governing bodies
In recent months, international pressure on Israel has intensified, with calls to end the conflict and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza have drawn condemnation from world leaders.
In a joint statement, the UK, France, Canada, Germany, and Australia urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider the course of action.
With widespread public support for a ceasefire – as reflected in the virality of Salah’s post – pressure is now beginning to mount on football’s governing bodies.
It remains to be seen whether UEFA and FIFA will continue to remain silent in the face of rising casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
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