Was UEFA banner at Super Cup final about Gaza, and why not mention Israel?

Before kick-off at Wednesday’s Super Cup final in Udine, Italy, UEFA unfurled a giant banner on the pitch bearing the words: "Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians."

Players from Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur lined up behind it, while nine refugee children from Gaza, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, and Ukraine knelt in front.

Two Palestinian children receiving treatment in Milan also took part in the medal ceremony: 12-year-old Tala, transferred from Gaza due to a lack of adequate care, and nine-year-old Mohamed, who lost his parents in an air strike.

UEFA said the display was part of its Foundation for Children programme, run with humanitarian partners including Médecins du Monde, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Handicap International.

Gesture follows Salah’s criticism

The gesture came just days after Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah criticised UEFA over its tribute to Suleiman al Obeid, the former Palestinian international killed in Rafah last week.

Obeid, nicknamed the “Palestinian Pelé”, was shot dead while queuing for food, according to the Palestinian Football Association. UEFA called him a talent who gave “hope to countless children”, but made no mention of Gaza or Israeli involvement.

Salah reposted UEFA’s statement to his 19 million followers, asking: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?"

UEFA says banner 'humanitarian' message, 'not political'

Questioned over whether the banner breached its rules on political messaging, UEFA said it was a humanitarian appeal planned before Salah's comments.

"The message is not political but about humanity," a spokesperson said. "It is a call for the protection of children wherever they are caught in conflict."

Refugee children in Italy, including those from Gaza, were central to the ceremony, supported by local Serie A club Udinese. Eighty-two underprivileged or ill children from the region were also invited to meet players and attend the match.

Athletes targeted in Gaza

Al Obeid's killing is part of what Palestinian sports officials say is a pattern of targeting athletes. The Palestinian FA reports that at least 662 athletes and their relatives have been killed since Israel’s assault began, with entire teams wiped out.

Hundreds of Palestinians have been shot dead in recent weeks while being shot while queuing for aid, with systematic attacks on civilians at distribution points.

Al Obeid made 19 appearances for Palestine’s national team, competing in the Asian Cup, Pan Arab Games, and World Cup qualifiers. His death has become another symbol of how the war has devastated not only civilian life but also cultural and sporting life in Gaza.