UEFA delivered a powerful message ahead of the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, rolling out a giant banner that read, “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians”. The banner was carried by children from war-affected areas, including two from Gaza, at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy.
“The message is loud and clear,” UEFA said in a statement. “A banner. A call.” This gesture comes after the UEFA Foundation for Children’s announcement to provide aid to children affected by wars in various regions.
The move sparked mixed reactions, with some critics accusing UEFA of selective outrage and political double standards for not explicitly mentioning Gaza or Palestine in their statement. Mohamed Salah, a prominent footballer, criticized UEFA for its neutrality and complicity in the conflict, questioning the organization’s tribute to Suleiman Al Obeid, a Palestinian footballer killed by Israeli forces.
Salah’s criticism stemmed from UEFA’s initial post about Al Obeid, which didn’t mention the circumstances of his death. “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah asked. Al Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé”, was shot dead while waiting for food in Gaza.
Despite the backlash, UEFA’s initiative includes partnering with organizations like Medecins du Monde and Handicap International to provide humanitarian aid to children impacted by war zones, including Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine.