ISTANBUL, Aug 11 – The United Nations (UN) special rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian territories called on the European football governing body (UEFA) on Sunday to expel Israel from competitions over its war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
“Let’s make sport apartheid and genocide free. One ball, one kick at the time,” Francesca Albanese said on her X account.
Albanese’s call came following UEFA’s farewell to a former Palestinian player, Suleiman al-Obeid, whom it called the “Palestinian Pelé.”
Obaid was killed on Wednesday, when the Israeli army opened fire on civilians waiting for aid delivery near a distribution point in the southern Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Football Association.
“Time to expel its killers from competitions, @UEFA,” the UN rapporteur said.
Obaid, 41, born in Gaza and a father of five, is seen as one of the brightest stars in Palestinian football history. He played 24 official matches for the national team and scored two goals.
More than 800 athletes have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s offensive on Oct 7, 2023, as the sports community continues to suffer under bombardment, famine, and the collapse of infrastructure, according to Palestinian officials.
