UN rapporteur urges European soccer body to ban Israel
“Let’s make sport apartheid- and genocide-free. One ball, one kick at a time,” Francesca Albanese wrote on X. Her appeal followed UEFA’s tribute to former Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, dubbed the “Palestinian Pelé,” who was killed by Israeli forces while civilians awaited aid in southern Gaza.
Albanese urged, “Time to expel its killers from competitions, @UEFA.” Obaid, 41, a father of five, was one of Palestine’s most prominent players, having played 24 official matches for the national team and scoring two goals.
According to Palestinian officials, over 800 athletes have died in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began on October 7, 2023, amid bombardment, famine, and collapsing infrastructure. The conflict has killed more than 61,400 people, pushing Gaza toward famine.
Israel faces growing international condemnation, including ICC arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes, as well as a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
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