10-08-2025
Mohamed Salah slams UEFA post about the killing of 'Palestinian Pele'
ALBAWABA - Renowned Egyptian footballer and Liverpool player, Mohamed Salah criticized UEFA over its post regarding the killing of "Palestinian Pele," Suleiman Obeid, who was recently shot dead by Israeli forces.
At just the age of 41, Obeid was shot dead on August 6 by Israeli forces while awaiting humanitarian aid due to the ongoing famine in Gaza, which has caused the death of over 217 Palestinians, including 100 children.
Obeid's killing sparked outrage among human rights and pro-Palestine activists who took to social media to offer their condolences to his family.
According to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), 325 of its community, including players, coaches, managers, referees, and other staff, have been killed by Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, as reported by CNN. Mohamed Salah slams UEFA post about 'Palestinian Pele' death
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote, "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pele'. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times," without disclosing the reason for his death.
Salah responded on the same platform, slamming the organization, "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?"
His response garnered over a million likes and more than 78 million views. However, UEFA is yet to make a statement regarding the backlash it faced, as many pro-Palestine activists urged the ban of Israel from the joint association.
Similar to Mohamed Salah, a pro-Palestine user wrote in the same platform, "MENTION HIS DEATH CAUSE TOO! The one who killed him his is Israel, its a huge shame that you didn't mention that."
They added, "Why Israel is still in UEFA? They are child killers, they are terrorists, they are criminals. Russia was banned for not even 0.1% comparing to this. Get Israel out of UEFA. Free Palestine."
