Mohamed Salah calls out UEFA after footballer who was compared to Pele is killed

Mohamed Salah has called out UEFA after they posted a brief tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, a Palestinian footballer who recently died. Al-Obeid was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza earlier this week, according to the Palestine Football Association. Known as the 'Palestinian Pele', he scored two goals for his country in 24 international appearances.

The forward was killed when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid, the Palestine Football Association said. Israel has denied shooting at people waiting for aid, but has admitted to firing warning shots at those who come too close to troops. Al-Obeid's death adds to a growing list of sportspeople who have died in Gaza since the war began, with The Guardian reporting that at least 662 athletes and their relatives have been killed.

UEFA posted a short tribute to Al-Obeid on Friday, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "Farewell to Suleiman Al-Obeid, the Palestinian Pele. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times."

Salah responded to UEFA's post the following day, pointing out that no details of Al-Obeid's death were provided. He replied: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?"

Al-Obeid was born in Gaza and began his career with local team Khadamat al-Shati, joining their youth ranks in 2005. He spent four years there before joining Markaz Shabab Al-Am'ari in the occupied West Bank.

The striker had two more spells at Khadamat al-Shati and played for Gaza Sport between 2014 and 2016. He was 41 at the time of his death, leaving behind a wife and three children.

Salah, meanwhile, has expressed sympathy for those in Gaza throughout the conflict. Two years ago, he donated to the Egyptian Red Cross to support their relief efforts in the region.

In a previous social media post, the Liverpool winger called for world leaders to 'prevent further slaughter of all innocent souls' and for immediate help for the people of Gaza.

"It's not always easy to speak in times like these," said Salah. "There has been too much violence and too much heartbreaking brutality. The escalation in recent weeks is unbearable to witness.

"All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart. What is clear now is that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible conditions.

"The scenes at the hospital last night were horrifying. The people of Gaza need food, water and medical supplies urgently. I'm calling on the world leaders to come together to prevent further slaughter of all innocent souls. Humanity must prevail."

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