'Tell Us How He...': Mohamed Salah Hits Out At UEFA Over 'Incomplete' Tribute To 'Palestinian Pele'

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-08-10 06:53:51 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 10:48:47

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Mohamed Salah has criticized UEFA for its handling of Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid's death, prompting calls for a formal investigation into the union's response.

Salah, who spent time with al-Obeid at Basel, took to social media to challenge a since-removed tweet by UEFA highlighting the player's achievements, claiming the union failed to address that he "was shot by an Israeli soldier".

Al-Obeid, who was reportedly involved in a protest in Gaza when he was shot, was nicknamed the "Palestinian Pele".

The Liverpool forward wrote: "So sad to hear about the passing of Suleiman Obeid, one of the greatest Palestinian football players, someone I played with at Basel. A very humble and noble person."

"UEFA, please do us a favour and tell us how he died???" Salah added. "Was it an accident? Or was he shot by an Israeli soldier?!".

The UEFA tweet, posted on Wednesday and highlighted by Salah, read: "Saddened by the passing of Palestinian football legend Suleiman Obeid.

"A prolific striker during his playing days, he was recently named the 'Palestinian Football Ambassador of the Century' for his achievements on the pitch and his work in helping develop young players in Palestine. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Campaigners have since called for a full investigation into UEFA's response, with activist group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) saying the tweet was an "insulting attempt at appeasement".

"This is not just about Mohammed Salah," said Leonhard Schladani, FSE's Europe-wide fans coordinator. "It is about basic human decency and respect for a man and a people who deserve both."

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