Mohamed Salah criticizes UEFA for the data on the death of the footballer

• Mohamed Salah addressed UEFA with criticism regarding the reported circumstances of the death of Al-Abeid.
• Suleiman Al-Abeid was killed during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
• The Palestinian Football Association reported significant losses among sportsmen in the region.

Mohamed Salah, star of the club "Liverpool", expressed criticism directed at UEFA for their announcement regarding the death of the footballer, known as "Palestinian Pele", which did not mention the circumstances of the death. 41-year-old Suleiman Al-Abeid, as reported, was killed on September 7, 2025, as a result of an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza while waiting for humanitarian aid.

UEFA published a post on social media X, where it stated: "Rest in peace, Suleiman Al-Abeid, 'Palestinian Pele', a talent who inspired many children even in the darkest times." In response to this, Salah asked: "Can you tell me how, where, and why he died?"

The footballer Al-Abeid had been an important player for the Palestinian national team since 2007, for which he played 24 matches and scored two goals. He gained popularity thanks to his sporting achievements, including a memorable goal scored with a knife kick in a match against Yemen.

The death of Al-Abeid is part of a larger number of losses among sportsmen in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, where, according to reports, at least 662 sportsmen and their relatives have been killed. The Palestinian Football Association also reported on 421 killed footballers and 103 children among them.

In addition, 288 sports facilities were destroyed or damaged in Gaza and the West Bank, of which 268 were located in Gaza. Among the destroyed facilities is the PFA headquarters, which was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike.

Tags: Middle East/Sport/Football