Gaza Crisis: Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah questions UEFA over death of Palestinian footballer

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah challenged UEFA to provide more details after the organisation posted about the death of former footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza while waiting for humanitarian aid.

UEFA’s official handle published a commemorative post today, acknowledging the death of Suleiman and highlighting the role he played.

“Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé',” UEFA wrote. "A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”

The cause of Suleiman’s death is well known, as it was revealed by Palestinian officials and reported by multiple news sites. 

Hence, when UEFA’s message carried no information about the sensitive and important nature of his death, Salah interjected, asking them to provide more details. 

“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah asked, quoting UEFA’s tweet as he directed the question to the body. 

Salah’s comment is viewed as a break from the norm, as many have asked him to speak more on the crisis in Gaza as a Muslim North African with shared cultural ties with those from the region. 

Suleiman died aged 41 in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. According to the Palestinian Football Association, he was killed following an Israeli attack in southern Gaza, the Guardian reported. 

According to the report, he was killed on Wednesday, August 6, when the Israeli forces fired upon civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. 

Suleiman was one of the bright sparks of football in his country, earning himself the nickname “Palestinian Pele,” a testament to the skill level of the now-departed winger-cum-striker. 

He scored over 100 goals in his career, according to the PFA, and played 19 times for his country between 2007 and 2013. Also, Suleiman's death is one of the over 400 footballers who have already been killed in the strip, according to numbers published by the Palestinian authorities. He is survived by his wife and five children.