Craig Foster and Mohamed Salah Criticize UEFA’s Tribute to Prominent Palestinian Footballer

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Former Socceroo captain Craig Foster has added his voice to criticism of European football’s governing body UEFA following the death of Palestinian player Suleiman al-Obeid in Gaza.

In a post on Instagram on Monday morning, the former player and human rights activist accused UEFA of “eating at the finest restaurants” while Palestinian football players are killed. He also called on UEFA and FIFA, the global football body, to ban Israel from competing at an international level.

“While Suleiman had to beg for food, almost an entire league of Palestinian players have been killed,” Foster wrote on social media.

“Sport plays an important role in withdrawing legitimacy from any state committing genocide and apartheid, and every player, former player and fan should be speaking out.”

“The ball represents the globe, it is the people’s game, and everyone in it must share the same rights”.

Foster joins the likes of Egyptian football superstar Mohamed Salah in criticising the football body’s tribute to the player, who the Palestinian Football Association said was killed last Wednesday by Israeli forces while waiting near an aid distribution centre in southern Gaza.

Reuters reported his family said he was killed by a tank shell.

The Israeli government, backed by the United States, fiercely denies the charge and says it is fighting to defeat Hamas and to bring back Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Who was Suleiman al-Obeid?

A star player, al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals in his career, earning him the nickname the ‘Pelé of Palestinian football’ — in reference to the legendary Brazilian goal-scorer.

According to Al Jazeera, al-Obeid started his career at the Khadamat al-Shati club in Gaza before joining the Al-Amari Youth Centre Club in the occupied West Bank. He played 24 international matches, and gained international recognition after scoring a scissor kick goal against the Yemeni national team in the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship.

Al-Obeid leaves behind a wife and five children.

Mohamed Salah speaks out

Following al-Obeid’s death, UEFA posted a tribute on X calling him: “A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”

This was re-posted by Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who asked: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

UEFA has not responded to the post.

Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shosain replied to Salah: “Hey Mohamed, after an initial review, we found no records of any incidents involving Suleiman al-Obeid. In order to take a closer look, we need more details.”

Footballers killed in Gaza

According to the Palestinian Football Association, 662 athletes and their family members have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023. Of those, 421 were footballers, and 103 of those were children.

More than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed at aid distribution points managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation since 27 May, according to the United Nations.