Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has publicly challenged the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) over its muted response to the killing of Palestinian national team player Suleiman Al-Obaid during Israeli attacks in Gaza.
UEFA had marked Al-Obaid’s death with a brief farewell post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The message, however, offered no details about the circumstances surrounding his death. In reaction, Salah questioned the organization’s silence on the matter.
“Can you tell us how, where, and why he was killed?” Salah wrote, directly addressing UEFA’s post. His comment has drawn widespread attention online, with many users praising the Liverpool forward for using his platform to call for accountability.
Suleiman Al-Obaid was killed last Wednesday in southern Gaza amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. According to local reports, he was waiting to deliver food aid to children when he was struck in the attack. His death has been mourned by players, fans, and human rights advocates who say his case highlights the broader toll of the conflict on civilians, including athletes.
Salah, a Muslim footballer and one of the Premier League’s most influential players, has previously spoken out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an end to violence and more aid for those affected. His latest remarks are being seen as a direct challenge to UEFA and other major sporting bodies to address not only the loss of athletes in conflict zones but also the political realities surrounding their deaths. The Kabul Times