Mohamed Salah isn't having it. The Egyptian champion took to social media to criticize UEFA for its online tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, nicknamed the "Palestinian Pelé." Al-Obeid's death, announced last Wednesday by the Palestinian Football Association, was reportedly caused by Israeli gunfire during an aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, according to the PFA. "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé.' A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest moments," UEFA wrote on X, but for the Liverpool striker, all of this isn't enough, and on the same platform he posted: "Can you say how he died, where, and why?"
Salah's stance is consistent with what he has expressed over the past two years, expressing deep solidarity with the people of Gaza following the outbreak of the conflict with Israel, sparked by the bloody attack of October 7, 2023, organized by Hamas. Two years ago, Salah made a donation to the Egyptian Red Crescent to help fund relief efforts in the region and frequently implored an end to the "massacres." Suleiman al-Obeid, who played 24 games for the Palestinian national team and scored over 100 career goals, was 41 years old and a father of five. After starting his career with the home team, Khadamat Al-Shati Club, he joined the Al-Amari Youth Center Club in the occupied West Bank, then the Gaza Sports Club, before joining the national team. According to the Palestinian Football Association, al-Obeid's death toll has risen to at least 321 of its members, including players, coaches, and officials, in the Gaza war. This figure is double that if athletes from other disciplines are also included. Speaking to Al Jazeera, one of the founders of Football Palestine, Bassil Mikdadi, said he did not expect a response to Salah from UEFA and emphasized the "total silence" of football bodies and players since the beginning of the war.
(Unioneonline)
