Expel Israel to make sport ‘genocide free,’ UN repporteur urges UEFA
Call follows UEFA’s farewell to former Palestinian player Suleiman al-Obeid, who was killed in Israeli strike on aid seekers in Gaza
NEW YORK, United States MNTV) – UN special rapporteur for human rights, Francesca Albanese, has urged European football governing body (UEFA) in the Palestinian territories, to expel Israel from competitions over its war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip .
“Let’s make sport apartheid and genocide free. One ball, one kick at the time,” 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.
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