Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah has criticised UEFA for a social media tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, a Palestinian footballer killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza.
UEFA posted on X: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the Palestinian Pelé. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” The brief statement did not include details about the circumstances of Obeid’s death.
Salah responded by calling on UEFA to provide further information, asking: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” His reply has drawn significant attention online, with many users echoing his criticism and urging UEFA to clarify the context of Obeid’s death.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has said Obeid, 41, was killed on Wednesday when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. Known as the “Palestinian Pelé”, Obeid scored more than 100 goals in his career, represented the national team 24 times, and scored twice, including a notable goal against Yemen in 2010.
The PFA reports that at least 662 athletes and their relatives have been killed in Gaza since the war began, and 288 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Obeid is survived by his wife and five children.