LONDON (BN24) — Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has publicly criticized UEFA over its tribute to former Palestinian footballer Mohammed Barakat al Obeid, widely known as the “Palestinian Pele,” for omitting reports that he was killed in Gaza by what Palestinian officials say was an Israeli airstrike targeting civilians.
In a brief post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, the European football governing body described al Obeid as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” The statement did not mention the reported circumstances of his death.
Salah, one of the Premier League’s highest-profile players and a global sports figure, responded directly on X: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
UEFA confirmed to Sky Sports that it will not comment on Salah’s remarks.
Al Obeid, a former Palestine national team member, was born in Gaza City and played for clubs in both Gaza and the West Bank, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA). The PFA said he is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.
Palestinian sports officials say al Obeid died earlier this week in Gaza during an airstrike. Israeli authorities have not commented on the specific incident. The conflict in Gaza has entered its second year, with intense fighting and widespread humanitarian concerns.
Salah, an Egyptian international and devout Muslim, has previously used his platform to advocate for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. He has voiced concern for civilians caught in the conflict and called for an end to the violence.
The United Nations reports that more than 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution points and convoys in Gaza since the launch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a U.S. and Israel-backed aid distribution system — in late May.
The PFA tribute described al Obeid as an inspiration for young athletes in Palestine, noting his significant impact on football in the region.
