Salah questions UEFA
Liverpool and Egypt football star Mohamed Salah has called on UEFA to explain the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of legendary Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al Obeid, popularly known as the “Palestinian Pele.”
Al Obeid, who was widely regarded as one of the most talented footballers in Palestinian history, reportedly died in Gaza under circumstances that remain unclear. Reports from local media suggest he may have been killed during the ongoing conflict in the region, but no official statement from UEFA or FIFA has confirmed the details of his death.
Salah, known for using his platform to advocate for humanitarian causes, expressed his frustration in a post shared on his official social media accounts.
“Tell us how he died. You cannot remain silent when a legend of the game is gone. The football world deserves to know the truth,” Salah wrote.
A Football Icon for Palestine
Suleiman Al Obeid earned the nickname “Palestinian Pele” for his extraordinary dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score stunning goals. His career spanned decades, inspiring countless young footballers across Palestine and beyond.
He played for the Palestinian national team as well as several clubs, becoming a symbol of hope in a region often plagued by political instability and conflict. Even after retiring, Al Obeid remained active in youth football development, training young talents despite limited resources and constant challenges.
Salah’s Emotional Appeal
Salah’s message was not just a tribute—it was a challenge to international football’s governing bodies. By tagging UEFA in his post, the Egyptian forward implied that the organization had a responsibility to speak up and demand transparency.
This public call has sparked global conversations about the role of sports organizations in addressing tragedies that affect players, especially those in politically sensitive areas.
Global Reaction to Al Obeid’s Death
Following Salah’s post, several football figures and fans have joined the call for answers. Hashtags like #JusticeForSuleiman and #PalestinianPele began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters urging UEFA and FIFA to acknowledge Al Obeid’s death and launch an investigation into the circumstances.
Prominent Middle Eastern journalists have criticized what they describe as a “double standard” in how global sports bodies react to tragedies in different parts of the world. Some pointed to how quickly tributes and investigations follow the deaths of European or South American football stars, compared to the relative silence in cases involving players from conflict zones.
UEFA Yet to Respond
At the time of writing, UEFA has not issued any statement regarding Suleiman Al Obeid’s death or Salah’s demand for clarity. FIFA has also remained silent, further fueling criticism from fans and advocacy groups.
Sports analysts believe Salah’s influence could pressure governing bodies to respond, especially given his global popularity and reputation for standing up for social justice.
The Broader Context
Al Obeid’s death comes amid heightened tensions and escalating violence in Gaza, which has taken the lives of civilians, athletes, and public figures alike. For many Palestinians, his passing is more than just the loss of a football legend—it’s another painful reminder of the region’s struggles.
Salah’s intervention highlights how sports can intersect with politics and human rights issues. As one fan put it online:
“When Salah speaks, the world listens. If UEFA ignores him, they ignore millions of football fans who care about justice.”
Whether UEFA or FIFA will respond remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mohamed Salah’s demand has ensured that the world will not easily forget the legacy of the Palestinian Pele.
Source: Trendz Gh
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