AFCON 2025
Egyptian football star, Mohamed Salah has publicly challenged UEFA to explain the circumstances surrounding the death of Palestinian football legend, Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé.”
In a post on X, Salah reshared UEFA’s tribute to al-Obeid, which praised him as a player who “gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” Beneath it, the Liverpool forward asked pointedly: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
Al-Obeid, 41, was killed on August 6, 2025, when Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian Football Association.
The gifted forward, who earned 24 caps for the Palestinian national team and scored twice, was revered across the region for his flair and iconic goals, including a stunning scissors-kick against Yemen in 2010.
Since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Palestinian sports officials report that at least 662 athletes and sports personnel—including more than 300 footballers—have been killed.
Salah’s intervention has amplified criticism of UEFA’s statement, which avoided mentioning the cause of death. Supporters say his question underscores the responsibility of major sporting bodies to address humanitarian tragedies directly, not merely acknowledge them in passing.
