Islamabad, Aug 10, 2025; Salah lashes out at UEFA after the football body paid tribute to Palestinian legend Suleiman Al-Obeid without mentioning the cause of his death. Reports claim the 41-year-old, celebrated as the “Palestinian Pele,” was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza, targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid.
UEFA posted a condolence message on social media, praising Al-Obeid as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” However, Mohamed Salah, 33, responded sharply on X, asking, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” His reaction came following a statement from the Palestine Football Association confirming the tragic incident in southern Gaza on Wednesday.
A football icon silenced by war
Al-Obeid was more than just a player — he was an inspiration to Palestinian youth despite years of conflict. His death has sparked renewed debate about the devastating toll of the nearly two-year Gaza war, which has claimed thousands of lives and forced mass displacement. According to the UN, over 1,000 civilians have died near aid points since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operations in late May.
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Salah’s voice beyond the pitch
Renowned as one of the Premier League’s most influential Muslim athletes, Salah has often spoken out on humanitarian crises, urging for aid access to Gaza. This latest episode shows his continued readiness to challenge global institutions on moral grounds.
UEFA has yet to comment on Salah’s remarks or confirm whether they will update their tribute with the full circumstances of Al-Obeid’s death. For now, Salah lashes out at UEFA remains a headline resonating far beyond the football world.
