Suleiman al-Obeid was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA)
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has challenged UEFA following their tribute to a footballer known as the 'Palestinian Pele', Suleiman al-Obeid, who was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA). Al-Obeid was killed on Wednesday when civilians waiting for humanitarian aid were attacked by Israeli forces, says the PFA.
The 41-year-old was hailed as one of 'the brightest stars of Palestinian football' and is remembered for his scissor-kick goal against Yemen during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation championship. The footballer leaves behind his wife, two sons and three daughters, with tributes pouring in amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Among those sending tributes were UEFA. "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé'," the European football governing body posted on social media.
"A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times." However, Liverpool star Salah seemed unimpressed with the lack of detail provided by the European federation, reports the Mirror.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Egyptian quoted UEFA's tribute and quickly highlighted the issues he found with their tribute. He wrote: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?"
Al-Obeid is just one of hundreds of sportspeople to have lost their lives in Gaza. It's reported that at least 662 athletes and their relatives have been killed during Israeli assaults.
"The number of footballers killed or who died from starvation has reached 421, including 103 children," the PFA said. The association has also stated that 288 sports facilities, including stadiums, training grounds, gyms and clubhouses, have been damaged or reduced to rubble.
The majority of these are in Gaza, with 20 in the West Bank. The PFA headquarters is among the sites affected after being hit in an Israeli air raid.
Salah has previously voiced his concerns about the war occurring in the Middle East. "It's not always easy to speak in times like these," he expressed.
"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."