On August 9, 2025, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah publicly criticised UEFA for not including information about the death of Palestinian football legend Suleiman Al-Obeid in its tribute, as reported by Al Jazeera.
UEFA’s post on X described Al-Obeid, who was 41 years old, as a “talent who gave hope to countless children.” However, the post did not mention that he was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike on civilians waiting for aid in Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association. Salah responded by asking, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” UEFA has not yet commented on the issue.
Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé'.
A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times. pic.twitter.com/wGSXCq2ceo
— UEFA (@UEFA) August 8, 2025The Palestine Football Association stated Al-Obeid was killed on August 6, 2025, in southern Gaza while waiting for humanitarian aid. Thisros. This incident follows a pattern of over 1,000 deaths near aid distribution sites since the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began in May 2025, according to UN reports.
Can you tell us how he died, where, and why? https://t.co/W7HCyVVtBE
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) August 9, 2025Salah, a 33-year-old Egyptian and Premier League icon, has consistently advocated for humanitarian aid access in Gaza during the nearly two-year Israel-Hamas conflict. His outspoken X post, questioning UEFA’s silence on Al-Obeid’s cause of death, has sparked widespread discussion online, amplifying calls for transparency and accountability in reporting such incidents.
Read: Mohamed Salah Signs 2 Years Contarct With Liverpool
Salah’s challenge highlights UEFA’s responsibility to address sensitive geopolitical issues accurately, given its global influence. The controversy could pressure sports organisations to improve reporting standards, especially amid ongoing Gaza conflicts. Salah’s platform, with millions of followers, amplifies the issue’s visibility.
