Liverpool, UK – Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has publicly criticised UEFA for omitting key details in its tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, a legendary Palestinian footballer popularly known as the “Palestinian Pele”, who died this week.
The Liverpool forward, widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in global football, took to social media to call out the European football governing body over what he perceived as an incomplete and misleading farewell message.
UEFA Tribute Sparks Backlash
On Wednesday, UEFA posted 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.”
While the message acknowledged Obeid’s inspirational impact on Palestinian football, it made no mention of the circumstances surrounding his death — a detail that immediately drew criticism from Salah and many others online.
Salah’s Sharp Response
In a direct reply to UEFA’s tribute, Salah quote-tweeted:
“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
The Egyptian star’s comment was widely interpreted as a challenge to UEFA to publicly acknowledge the political and humanitarian context of Obeid’s death, rather than simply offering a neutral obituary.
Within hours, Salah’s post had been shared tens of thousands of times, sparking a heated debate among fans, activists, and commentators about whether sporting bodies should address the causes of death in politically sensitive situations.
How Obeid Died
According to a statement from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), 41-year-old Obeid died after Israeli forces targeted the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
The PFA’s statement described Obeid not only as a gifted player but also as a symbol of hope for young Palestinians, especially those growing up in conflict zones.
A Football Legend in Palestine
Nicknamed the “Palestinian Pele” for his exceptional skill and influence on the pitch, Suleiman al-Obeid was widely celebrated across the Palestinian territories and the broader Arab world.
Obeid’s career spanned over two decades, during which he played for top clubs in the Palestinian Premier League and represented Palestine at the international level. His flair, sportsmanship, and leadership made him a household name in Gaza and beyond.
Off the pitch, he was known for mentoring young footballers, often conducting training sessions in refugee camps and underserved communities. Friends and former teammates have described him as a man of humility, generosity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
A Family Man
Obeid leaves behind his wife and five children. Those close to him say his greatest joy came from being a father and role model — not only to his own family but to countless aspiring athletes who looked up to him.
Tributes from across the Middle East and North Africa poured in following news of his death, with many sports figures calling for greater international recognition of Palestinian athletes and the challenges they face.
Salah’s Advocacy on Social Issues
Salah’s willingness to speak out on the issue is not unusual for the Egyptian forward, who has previously used his platform to address humanitarian and political crises.
Known for his charity work in Egypt and abroad, Salah has often spoken about the role of athletes in promoting justice and awareness. His latest comments have once again positioned him as a prominent footballer willing to confront global sports institutions over sensitive matters.
UEFA’s Silence on Cause of Death
As of the time of publication, UEFA has not publicly responded to Salah’s remarks or explained its decision to omit the cause of Obeid’s death from its tribute.
The organisation’s approach has been criticised by some observers, who argue that avoiding mention of the conflict amounts to downplaying the human realities behind the loss. Others have defended UEFA’s stance, suggesting that sports bodies should remain neutral on political matters to avoid inflaming tensions.
Reactions From the Football Community
Salah’s post has divided opinion in the football world. Many fans praised him for using his platform to demand transparency, while critics argued that sports figures should steer clear of political disputes.
Several footballers from the Middle East and Africa expressed solidarity with Salah’s position, emphasising that the death of a figure like Obeid cannot be divorced from the political situation in Gaza.
Social media platforms have been flooded with hashtags such as #PalestinianPele, #JusticeForObeid, and #SalahSpeaks, reflecting the global attention the issue has received.
The Broader Conversation
The incident has reignited debate over the responsibilities of sports organisations when addressing the deaths of players in conflict zones. Critics say that by avoiding mention of politically sensitive causes, governing bodies risk sanitising tragedies and erasing the lived experiences of athletes.
Supporters of a neutral approach counter that sports should be a unifying force, steering clear of polarising political debates.
In the case of Obeid, his life and death sit at the intersection of sport, politics, and humanitarian crisis — a combination that makes the question of how to publicly honour him particularly complex.
Obeid’s Enduring Legacy
Regardless of the political controversy surrounding UEFA’s statement, Suleiman al-Obeid’s legacy in Palestinian football remains intact. His skill, charisma, and dedication to nurturing young talent ensured his place as a cultural icon in Gaza.
Clubs, community groups, and fans are expected to hold memorial matches in his honour, celebrating his contribution to the sport he loved and the people he inspired.
Final Word
Mohamed Salah’s public rebuke of UEFA underscores the tension between sports diplomacy and the demand for truth in the face of human loss.
As tributes to Suleiman al-Obeid continue to pour in, the conversation sparked by Salah’s comments may push football’s governing bodies to reconsider how they address the deaths of athletes in politically sensitive environments.
For now, the man once called the “Palestinian Pele” will be remembered not just for his dazzling footwork, but for the hope he brought to a generation of young Palestinians — hope that even the darkest of times could not extinguish.
