Mohamed Salah, the 33-year-old team leader and star forward for Liverpool FC, denounced a planned tribute by UEFA. That tribute was accompanied by a lovely speech that honored Suleiman Al-Obeid, hailed as the “Palestinian Pele.” Salah’s response came on Saturday, following UEFA’s mention of Al-Obeid without acknowledging the circumstances surrounding his death.
Suleiman Al-Obeid, a former Palestinian national football player, unfortunately lost his life during an Israeli bombardment targeting aid-seekers in Gaza. This heartbreaking occurrence took place last Wednesday. For good reason, this tragic event has garnered international outrage and attention. It happens amid a nearly two-year-long war in Gaza. Salah’s critique highlights concerns over how such tributes are presented and the importance of acknowledging the realities faced by individuals in conflict zones.
In his Twitter post, Salah questioned UEFA’s approach to the tribute, asking pointedly, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” We all agree it would be a crime to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Al-Obeid’s death, without taking the political context into account. This question asks to amplify that powerful lens.
Many observers pointed out that for all the merit in Salah’s criticism, timing may not be ideal. Or at least, that’s what they wanted to know when he finally addressed the situation. With the severity of our current conflict, their concern was even more acute. Salah has been indefatigable and a fearless advocate in calling for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. Finally, he frequently underscores the current, dire need for help in the area today.
UEFA did not immediately reply to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency regarding remarks by Salah. Perhaps tellingly, they have not stood by on the tribute itself. The lack of acknowledgment concerning Al-Obeid’s death may raise further discussions about how sports organizations handle sensitive political issues intertwined with their tributes and honors.
