Mo Salah criticises UEFA for omitting cause of Palestinian footballer’s death in tribute
London: Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has publicly criticised UEFA for failing to mention how former Palestinian football star Suleiman al Obeid died in its recent tribute.
UEFA described al Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele”, as “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times” in a brief social media post on Friday. However, the organisation did not refer to reports from the Palestine Football Association that the 41-year-old was killed by an “Israeli airstrike targeting civilians” while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza on Wednesday.
Responding on X, Salah asked: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” UEFA later told Sky Sports it would not comment on the Egyptian forward’s remarks.
Al Obeid, born in Gaza City, played for clubs in both Gaza and the West Bank and had two sons and three daughters. The Palestine Football Association said his death occurred amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen over 1,000 people killed near aid distribution points since late May, according to UN figures.
Salah, one of the most prominent Arab sports figures in the world, has previously called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza during the nearly two-year-old attacks.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
