Overview

• On August 9, Mohamed Salah questioned UEFA on social media asking how, where and why Suleiman al-Obeid died; his post drew over 11 million views within an hour.
• UEFA’s initial tribute to al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé,” omitted that he was killed by Israeli airstrikes while awaiting humanitarian aid in southern Gaza.
• Former France international Eric Cantona condemned al-Obeid’s death on social media, accusing Israeli forces of genocide.
• Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, scored more than 100 goals across Gaza and the West Bank and was celebrated for embodying Palestinian resilience.
• Pressure is mounting on UEFA and other sports organizations to provide clarity on civilian casualties in the Israel-Gaza conflict.