Mo Salah asks pointed question of UEFA after 'Palestinian Pele' killed by Israeli forces in Gaza

Mohamed Salah has asked questions of UEFA after the European governing body paid tribute to a footballer known as the 'Palestinian Pele' following his death. Suleiman al-Obeid was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA).

Obeid was killed on Wednesday after civilians waiting for humanitarian aid were attacked by Israeli forces say the PFA. The 41-year-old was labelled one 'of the brightest stars of Palestinian football' and famously scored a scissor-kick versus Yemen during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation championship.

The footballer is survived by his wife and children and his family have seen tributes pour in amid the conflict in Gaza. UEFA sent their own condolences.

"Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé'," the body posted on soocial media. "A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times."

Liverpool star Salah appeared unimpressed with the scant detail provided by the European federation. The Egyptian quoted UEFA's tribute and quickly highlighted the issues he found with their post.

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"Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?" Salah posted on X.

Obeid is just one of hundreds of sportspeople to have lost their lives in Gaza. At least 662 athletes and their relatives are reported to have been killed during Israeli assaults.

“The number of footballers killed or who died from starvation has reached 421, including 103 children,” the PFA said.

The association has also claimed that 288 sports facilities, encompassing stadiums, training grounds, gyms and clubhouses, have been damaged or turned into rubble. The bulk of these have been in Gaza, and 20 in the West Bank. The PFA headquarters is among the sites to have been impacted after it was struck in an Israeli air raid.

Salah has previously spoken out on the devastation taking place in the Middle East. "It’s not always easy to speak in times like these," he said.

"There has been too much violence and too much heartbreaking brutality. The escalation in recent weeks is unbearable to witness.

"All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart. What is clear now is that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible conditions.

"The scenes at the hospital last night were horrifying. The people of Gaza need food, water and medical supplies urgently. I’m calling on the world leaders to come together to prevent further slaughter of all innocent souls. Humanity must prevail."

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