Introduction to the Criticism
The striker Mohamed Salah from Liverpool criticized the management committee of European football on their homage to the former Palestinian international Suleiman al-Obeid. The Egyptian star emphasized that Uefa’s post did not mention how al-Obeid died.
Uefa’s Statement
Uefa called al-Obeid "a talent that gave hope for countless children, even in the darkest times". They stated that he gave the children of Gaza his talent and commitment and gave their dreams the hope of blooming despite the suffering. Uefa also mentioned that his death is a great loss for the world of football and for everyone who recognizes the power of sport to unite people.
Mo Salah’s Response
In response to Uefa’s post, Salah asked: "Can you tell us how he died, where and why?" The Egyptian striker has repeatedly asked for increased humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. In October 2023, shortly after the war, Salah called on world leaders to come together to enable humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip to "prevent further slaughter of innocent souls".
Suleiman Al-Obeid’s Death
The Palestinian Football Association said that the 41-year-old Obeid was killed when Israeli forces gathered a group of civilians for humanitarian aid distribution in southern Gaza. Obeid was born in Gaza City and had five children. He played 24 international games for Palestine and was known as the Palestinian Pele after the Brazilian footballer.
Football Personalities Speaking Out
Salah is not the only Premier League personality to speak publicly about Gaza. Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola gave an emotional speech in June, saying: "It is so painful what we see in Gaza, it hurts my whole body." He added: "Let me be clear, it’s not about ideology. It’s not about whether I am right or if you are wrong. It’s just about the love of life, about your neighbor’s care."
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Palestinian Football Association says that 325 people in the Palestinian football community have died in conflict since October 2023. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with desperate Palestinians scrambling for aid supplies. The international community continues to call for increased humanitarian access to the region to prevent further suffering.
