Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has spoken out over a UEFA tribute to a Palestinian footballer compared to Pele after his death.
Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, was killed in an Israeli attack in Gaza on Thursday while waiting to receive humanitarian aid, according to the Palestine Football Association.
‘During his long career, al-Obeid, 41, scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football,’ the organisation said.
Al-Obeid made 24 appearances for Palestine’s national team, scoring twice, and earned himself the nickname ‘the Palestinian Pele’. He was married with five children.
UEFA’s statement read: ‘Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the “Palestinian Pele”. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.’
However, Salah, who has long demanded an end to the ‘massacres’ in Gaza, believes the governing body did not go far enough. Taking to his X account, which has over 19 million followers, he wrote: ‘Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?’
Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’, was killed in an Israeli attack in Gaza
UEFA issued this statement on X, saying he was a ‘talent who gave hope to countless children’
But Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah believes the governing body’s words were not enough
Salah also screenshotted his response and shared it on his Instagram page.
UEFA have not commented on the criticism from the high-profile player.
In 2023, Salah urged world leaders to intervene and ensure that humanitarian aid could be delivered to those in need in Gaza, issuing a public message after the deaths of almost 500 people in an explosion at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
In a video posted on Instagram, Salah said: ‘It’s not always easy to speak in time like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality.
‘The escalations in the recent weeks are unpalatable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.
‘What’s 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 world leaders to come together to prevent the further slaughter of innocent souls. Humanity must prevail.’
According to the Palestine FA, 421 footballers have currently been killed or have died from starvation in Gaza, including 103 children.
288 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed.