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Yahoo
8 hours 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.
19 hours ago
- Politics
Salah questions UEFA's 'farewell' to former Palestine soccer player Suleiman Obeid
CAIRO -- Mohamed Salah is questioning UEFA's 'farewell' to former Palestinian soccer player Suleiman Obeid who was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli forces while awaiting aid in Gaza. 'Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?' Salah asked on the social network X in response to a post from UEFA saying, 'Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pele.' A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.' Obeid, 41, was fatally shot by Israeli forces on Wednesday while he was waiting among crowds for aid near a distribution site in southern Gaza, the Palestine Football Association said. He leaves behind a wife and five children. The Associated Press could not independently verify the account. Obeid played 24 games for Palestine, scoring two goals, while he scored more than 100 over his career with local clubs, said the PFA, which described him as 'one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football.' The PFA published a letter attributed to Aleksander Čeferin in which the UEFA president said he was 'deeply saddened by the tragic death' of Obeid, who was 'more than just a footballer. He was proof that joy, skill, and pride can flourish despite suffering. His talent and dedication to the game gave the children of Gaza and beyond reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow. His passing is a great loss to the world of football and to everyone who understands the power of sport to inspire.' Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani replied to Salah on X: 'Hey Mohamed, After an initial review, we found no records of any incidents involving Suleiman al-Obeid. In order to take a closer look, we need more details.' The PFA said Obeid's death brings to 662 the number of Palestinian athletes and sporting officials killed since the 22-month war started. The U.N. human rights office said last month that some 1,400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid in Gaza since May, nearly all by Israeli fire. Israel's air and ground campaign has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine. Hamas-led militants triggered the war when they stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 people.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- 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.
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
‘Tell us how he died': Salah criticizes UEFA tribute to ‘Palestinian Pele'
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on Saturday criticized UEFA's tribute to the late Suleiman Al-Obeid, known as the 'Palestinian Pele,' after European football'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. For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page. 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 neighborhoods 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 US and Israel-backed aid distribution system, in late May.
Sky News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sky News
Mo Salah criticises UEFA tribute to 'Palestinian Pele' Suleiman al Obeid
Liverpool forward Mo Salah has criticised UEFA for not revealing how a footballer known as "Palestinian Pele" died as it paid tribute to him in a social media post. The Palestine Football Association said on Wednesday that Suleiman al Obeid, 41, was killed by an "Israeli airstrike targeting civilians" while he waited for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. In a brief post on the social media platform X on Friday, UEFA called the former national team member "a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times". Salah, an Egyptian forward who is a devout Muslim, responded: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?" UEFA has told Sky Sports it will not be commenting on the Liverpool footballer's post. He has previously advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza in the nearly two-year-old war. The United Nations 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 US and Israel-backed aid distribution system, in late May. In a tribute on its website, the Palestine Football Association said al Obeid had two sons and three daughters. It added that the footballer was born in Gaza City and played for clubs based in both Gaza and the West Bank.
