Latest news with #Al-Obeid
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mohamed Salah Receives Backing Over Condemnation of UEFA's Tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid
Salah Joins Voices Condemning Uefa's Tribute to the 'Palestinian Pele' Footballing icon Mohamed Salah has joined a growing chorus of condemnation against Uefa's recent tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid, who was posthumously honoured as the 'Palestinian Pele'. Al-Obeid, a beloved figure in Palestinian football, tragically lost his life in the Gaza Strip at the hands of Israeli forces, according to reports from the Palestine Football Association (PFA). Salah, who has consistently used his platform to raise awareness of humanitarian issues, voiced his frustration over Uefa's failure to acknowledge the circumstances surrounding Al-Obeid's death. The governing body posted a tribute on social media, remembering the late footballer's talent and impact. However, Salah's poignant response pointed out the oversight, asking, 'Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?' His message quickly gained traction, with millions of social media users taking note. Uefa's Silence Sparks Outrage Uefa's tribute, shared on X (formerly Twitter), called Al-Obeid a 'talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times'. While the words recognised his legacy, they fell short of acknowledging the brutal nature of his death, which has left many questioning the integrity of the tribute. Gary Lineker, former England striker, echoed Salah's concerns in an Instagram post, sharing an article about the backlash and writing, 'We can't hear you, Uefa'. Similarly, former politician Jeremy Corbyn supported Salah's call for greater transparency, adding his own statement, 'Well said Mo!'. The silence from Uefa regarding the cause of Al-Obeid's death – as well as the wider context of the Gaza conflict – has intensified global scrutiny. The outcry has highlighted the disconnect between corporate football institutions and the ongoing crisis in Palestine, an issue that continues to divide opinion internationally. Mohamed Salah: A Voice for Palestine This is not the first time Salah has spoken out about the violence in Palestine. Last October, the Liverpool forward shared a heartfelt message calling for peace and the protection of all lives amid the escalating violence in Gaza. 'It is not always easy to speak in times like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality,' Salah wrote in an Instagram post. His words resonated with his millions of followers, particularly those from the Arab world, where his influence extends far beyond the football pitch. Salah's influence has undoubtedly made him one of the most recognised voices in sports activism. He has been unwavering in his support for Palestinian rights, even as political and public opinion on the matter remains deeply divided. Al-Obeid's Legacy and the Tragedy of Gaza Suleiman Al-Obeid's death, as a casualty in the Gaza Strip, adds to the already devastating toll the region has experienced during the ongoing conflict. The 41-year-old had been an active figure in Palestinian football, making 24 appearances for the national team and scoring twice. His tragic end came as he waited for aid in Gaza, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by Palestinians, who are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical turmoil. Since Al-Obeid's death, reports have emerged detailing the tragic loss of numerous lives in Gaza as humanitarian aid convoys have come under attack. At least 38 individuals were killed while attempting to receive aid, according to local health officials. Such acts of violence, in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, have further sparked global outrage and calls for accountability. Salah's condemnation of Uefa's tribute, alongside the support of figures like Lineker and Corbyn, shines a spotlight on the responsibility of sporting organisations to engage with the real-world issues that affect the players, fans, and communities they represent. His message serves as a reminder of the broader political struggles that transcend the football pitch.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Tell us how he died': Salah chides UEFA
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah highlights the hypocrisy of UEFA when it comes to honouring Palestinian footballers. PHOTO: REUTERS Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on Saturday criticised UEFA's tribute to the late Suleiman Al-Obeid, known as the "Palestinian Pele," after European soccer's governing body failed to reference the circumstances surrounding his death this week. The Palestine Football Association said that Al-Obeid, 41, was killed by an Israeli strike targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. In a brief post on the social media platform X, UEFA called the former national team member "a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times." Salah responded: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?" UEFA was not immediately available to comment. One of the Premier League's biggest stars, the 33-year-old Egyptian Salah has previously advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza in the nearly two-year-old war. The PFA later posted a statement on its Facebook page attributed to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, calling Al-Obeid "proof of the joy that can flourish in the hearts of people despite hardship. "He gave his talent and dedication to the children of Gaza and gave their dreams a hope to blossom despite the suffering," the statement read. "His death is a great loss to the world of football and to everyone who recognises the power of sport to unite people." The PFA said on Saturday that 325 players, coaches, administrators, referees and club board members in the Palestinian soccer community have died in the Israeli-Hamas conflict since October 2023. The war began after Gaza's dominant Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out a cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel's subsequent air and ground campaign has leveled entire neighbourhoods in Gaza, displaced most of the population of 2.3 million and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine, according to the United Nations. The UN says more than 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution sites and aid convoys in Gaza since the launch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S. and Israel-backed aid distribution system, in late May. Liverpool's Uruguay striker Nunez joins Al-Hilal Liverpool's Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez has joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal from the Premier League champions on a three-year deal, both clubs said on Saturday. Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported that the Saudis paid 53 million euros ($61.69 million) plus add-ons that could take the final price tag up to 56.6 million pounds for the 26-year-old. "Al-Hilal Club Company is pleased to announce the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez from Liverpool FC on a three-year contract," the Saudi club said on their website. "Nunez has just joined the squad during the current pre-season training camp in Germany," Al Hilal added. Nunez joined Liverpool in June 2022 from Benfica for an initial fee of 75 million euros but struggled for consistency, with 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 games in all competitions. The striker found himself on the fringes of the first team during Liverpool's title-winning campaign last season, starting only eight league matches and netting five times. His departure will help finance Liverpool's outlay of almost 300 million pounds so far for the 2025-26 season. They have already signed Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee of up to 116 million pounds and French forward Hugo Ekitike for 69 million plus add-ons. Al-Hilal, under former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, became the first Asian club to defeat a Premier League side in an official match when they beat Manchester City at the Club World Cup last month.
The National
7 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Outrage at Uefa response after Palestinian footballer killed by Israel
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said on Wednesday that Suleiman Al-Obeid, 41, was killed when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. In a post on Twitter/X paying tribute to Al-Obeid, European football association Uefa made no mention towards how Al-Obeid died. READ MORE: Ross Greer says bullying within Scottish Greens left him hospitalised twice "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pele'," the post said. "A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times", without mentioning how he died. Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé'. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times. — UEFA (@UEFA) August 8, 2025 The post was met with outrage, with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah responding: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?" Can you tell us how he died, where, and why? — Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) August 9, 2025 Among those who praised his response was former Labour leader and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn, who said: "Well said Mo!" Salah, 33, who has more than 19 million followers on Twitter/X, previously called for aid to be allowed into Gaza, saying that "the massacres need to stop". Mohamed Salah In a video posted on Instagram in October 2023, the Egyptian star said: "It is not always easy to speak in times like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality. 'The escalations in the recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.' READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon claims Alex Salmond may have leaked probe against him Uefa's response was also criticised by UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who responded to the post by calling for Israel to be banned from Uefa. "Time to expell its killers from competitions," she wrote. "Lets make sport apartheid and genocide free. One ball, one kick at the time." Time to expell its killers from competitions, @UEFA. Lets make sport apartheid and genocide free. One ball, one kick at the time. — Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) August 10, 2025 Abubaker Abed, a Palestinian football journalist who has previously reported on Israel's targeting of sportspeople, said: "You're complicit in the genocide in Gaza. Who killed him? Who killed more than 800? "Kick Israel out of FIFA and ban it from all international football. These are mere platitudes. Enough!" You're complicit in the genocide in Gaza. Who killed him? Who killed more than 800? Kick Israel out of FIFA and ban it from all international football. These are mere platitudes. Enough! — Abubaker Abed (@AbubakerAbedW) August 8, 2025 Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer responded: "He was murdered by the Israeli regime. I can see why you don't want to mention that, given you still allow their clubs and national teams to compete in your tournaments. Cowards." Meanwhile, Scottish writer Irvine Welsh said: "Check those shiteing c***s." The PFA said that Al-Obeid, who was married with two sons and three daughters, scored more than 100 goals during his career, "making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football". Al-Obeid's talent on the pitch earned him the nickname of "the Palestinian Pele", a nod to the legendary Brazilian widely hailed as one of the greatest players of all time. READ MORE: Inside the Scottish demining charity working to secure a safer future for Ukrainians His death adds to a growing toll of athletes killed in Gaza during Israel's brutal assault on the enclave, with at least 662 sportspeople and their relatives reported to have been killed. The PFA said that the number of footballers killed or who have died from starvation has reached 421, including 103 children. It added that 288 sports facilities have been damaged or reduced to rubble across Gaza and the West Bank, from stadiums and training grounds to gyms and clubhouses. The vast majority, 268, were in Gaza, while 20 were in the West Bank, with about half serving football directly. Among the sites hit was the PFA's headquarters in Gaza, which was struck during an Israeli air raid. More than 1300 Palestinians are believed to have been killed around aid distribution points managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation since the US- and Israeli-backed group launched in May.
Express Tribune
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Mohamed Salah speaks out against UEFA's tribute to late Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has criticised UEFA's tribute to late Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid, questioning why the statement omitted details of his death in Gaza this week. Al-Obeid , widely known as the 'Palestinian Pele,' was a former national team player who inspired young footballers across the region. The Palestine Football Association confirmed that he was killed on Wednesday by an Israeli attack targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip. UEFA posted a short message on X describing Al-Obeid as 'a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.' However, Salah replied directly, writing: 'Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?' Can you tell us how he died, where, and why? — Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) August 9, 2025 UEFA has not yet responded to requests for comment. Salah, one of the Premier League's most high-profile players, has previously used his platform to call for humanitarian access to Gaza. He has spoken out during the nearly two-year-long war, urging that aid be delivered to civilians without obstruction. According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 people have been killed in or near aid distribution sites and convoys in Gaza since the introduction of the Gaza Humanitarian Framework (GHF) in late May. Al-Obeid's death has drawn international attention, both for his role in Palestinian sport and for the wider humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Known for his skill and leadership on the pitch, he was a celebrated figure who continued to inspire young players long after his retirement.
Ammon
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Ammon
'Tell us how he died': Salah criticises UEFA tribute to 'Palestinian Pele'
Ammon News - Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on Saturday criticised UEFA's tribute to the late Suleiman Al-Obeid, known as the "Palestinian Pele," after European soccer's governing body failed to reference the circumstances surrounding his death this week. The Palestine Football Association said that Al-Obeid, 41, was killed by an Israeli strike targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. In a brief post on the social media platform X, UEFA called the former national team member "a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times." Salah responded: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?" UEFA was not immediately available to comment. One of the Premier League's biggest stars, the 33-year-old Egyptian Salah has previously advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza in the nearly two-year-old war. The PFA later posted a statement on its Facebook page attributed to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, calling Al-Obeid "proof of the joy that can flourish in the hearts of people despite hardship. "He gave his talent and dedication to the children of Gaza and gave their dreams a hope to blossom despite the suffering," the statement read. "His death is a great loss to the world of football and to everyone who recognises the power of sport to unite people." The PFA said on Saturday that 325 players, coaches, administrators, referees and club board members in the Palestinian soccer community have died in the Israeli-Hamas conflict since October 2023. Reuters
