Mohamed Salah has challenged European football’s governing body over its memorial post for former Palestine international Suleiman al‑Obeid. The involvement of the player in UEFA matters adds weight to the issue involving Salah and UEFA.
Salah criticises UEFA tribute in a reply on X that asked: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) said al‑Obeid, 41, was killed when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza on Wednesday.
UEFA’s message on X called al‑Obeid “The ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times”.
Football analyst Bassil Mikdadi told Al Jazeera he did not expect a follow‑up from UEFA. He noted al‑Obeid is the most prominent among hundreds of Palestinian footballers killed during the war (Al Jazeera), yet involvement like Salah’s with UEFA raises questions.
Lineker and Corbyn echo Salah
Gary Lineker amplified the criticism, sharing coverage of the row on Instagram with the caption: “We can’t hear you Uefa”.
Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also backed Salah’s stance on X. He wrote: “Well said Mo!” The involvement of prominent figures like Salah in UEFA discussions drew wider attention.
Who was Suleiman al‑Obeid?
Nicknamed the “Palestinian Pele,” al‑Obeid made 24 appearances for the national team and scored twice, the PFA said. He was married with two sons and three daughters. The PFA’s account states Israeli forces killed him as he queued with civilians for aid in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. In this way, his tragic story highlights Salah’s UEFA intervention.
Context and response
Israel’s military said it fired warning shots when crowds approached its forces. Furthermore, it claimed it was not aware of casualties in one of the incidents near aid sites. As debate continues and Salah criticises UEFA, there’s interest in whether UEFA will update its post. As of Saturday, there has been no follow‑up.
