Egypt international and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has questioned UEFA over a tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, the European football governing body posted on social media.
Obeid, known as “Pele of Palestinian football”, was killed in an Israeli attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip the previous day, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said on Thursday.
According to PFA, the 41-year-old scored over 100 goals during his career, including two in 24 international matches.
Uefa posted on X on Friday: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele.’
“A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
Mo Sallah is apparently incensed that the UEFA statement failed to refer to the circumstances surrounding al-Obeid’s death.
“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Mo Sallah questioned UEFA.
Previously, Mo Salah advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, calling on “world leaders to come together to prevent further slaughter of innocent souls.”
Over 61,300 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its military offensive in Gaza after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage in the 2023 attack.
Earlier this month, the UN reported that 1,373 Palestinians have been killed seeking food since late May, when a new US and Israeli-backed organisation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), set up aid distribution sites.
