Fans slam ‘vague, pathetic’ UEFA statement on Israel's killing of Gaza footballer

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has come under fire over a "vague" statement on the killing of a Palestinian footballer in Gaza, which fans say absolves Israeli forces of blame.

The statement from UEFA, posted to X on Friday, reads: "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times".

The statement came just after the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) and multiple local media sources confirmed that al-Obeid was shot dead by Israeli forces on 6 August, while he was waiting for urgent humanitarian aid in south Gaza.

"During his long career, al-Obeid, 41, scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football," the PFA said.

Online, scores of people demanded that UEFA reissue a statement that details how the football player was killed.

“Farewell” like he died of old age or natural causes.

He was murdered by Israel. https://t.co/ACoCWVejPG

— Assal Rad (@AssalRad) August 8, 2025

"Farewell" like he died of old age or natural causes. He was murdered by Israel," one person wrote.

"How pathetic that you don’t name how Israel killed him while he was lined up to get aid for his starving kids. SHAME," another said.

Others highlighted that the use of the term "farewell" made it "sound like he’s retired", accusing the organisation of being "complicit in Suleiman’s death".

"Shame on you. Name his killers, expel them or be complicit with their crimes," another commented.

People also called on UEFA to take Israeli teams out of the European competition for their country's actions committed in Gaza, which UN experts and rights group say is genocide.

Absolute cowards @UEFA

Who killed him?

How did he die?

Israel remains a full member of UEFA despite its teams playing on illegally occupied land.

And as they commit war crimes you don't remove them from any competitions.

A pathetic organisation. https://t.co/92dl5vQjD2

— Daniel Lambert (@dlLambo) August 8, 2025

The much-loved 41-year-old football star was born in Gaza but also played for the Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the occupied West Bank.

He earned praise when he scored against Yemen in the 2010 West Asian Football Federation championship. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Al-Obeid is the latest sports player from Gaza to be killed by Israel, with at least 662 others and their relatives targeted since October 2023. Over 288 sports facilities have also been destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Around 268 of them were in Gaza.