Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has questioned UEFA’s (Europe’s football body) tribute to the late Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid. He has clearly asked why the truth was not told about the circumstances of his death.
UEFA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account paid tribute to Al-Obeid on Thursday, August 8, calling him the “Palestinian Pele” and writing that he was “a player who gave hope to countless children even in the darkest times.”
But the post did not say how Al-Obeid died. According to the Palestine Football Association (PFA), 41-year-old Al-Obeid died on August 6 during an Israeli attack in Gaza when he went to seek help.
Salah responded to UEFA’s post, writing –
“Can you tell me how he died, where and why?”
His question highlights the fact that UEFA has not put the whole truth in front of the people. So far UEFA has not given any public response on this.
Background of the conflict
The PFA says that since October 2023, 325 people associated with the Palestinian football community have been killed. At the same time, the United Nations says that since the end of May, more than 1,000 people have been killed near relief convoys and places where relief material is being distributed in Gaza.
Salah’s statement comes at a time when international sports organizations are facing criticism for their stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Salah has been constantly appealing for humanitarian aid and an end to violence in Gaza.