"Stop killing children", UEFA shows strong message from the field about the conflict in Gaza

2025-08-14 13:49:11Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
"Stop killing children", UEFA shows strong message from the field
UEFA delivers strong message from the pitch on Gaza conflict

Before the Super Cup match between Tottenham and PSG in Udine, UEFA displayed a banner with the message "Stop the killing of children - Stop the killing of civilians", conveying a powerful humanitarian appeal.

Despite rules prohibiting political messages in stadiums, UEFA chose to display this banner on the pitch in front of the players, at a time when they were lining up before the start of the match.

As the BBC reports, the ceremony was also attended by two refugee children from Gaza: Tala, 12, and Mohamed, 9. Both had been moved to Milan for medical treatment after injuries sustained during the war. Along with them, children from other conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria and Ukraine also took part in the event.

The gesture comes at a time when UEFA has been criticized for its handling of sensitive topics, including paying tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, without mentioning the circumstances of his death in Gaza.

As recently as Saturday, Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah criticized UEFA for a social media post that paid tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, without mentioning the circumstances of his death.

"Can you tell us how he died, where and why?" he asked.

On Tuesday, the UEFA Foundation for Children announced that it had expanded its humanitarian efforts to help children in Gaza, in collaboration with three charities providing humanitarian aid.

Under UEFA rules, political, ideological and religious messages are prohibited in stadiums before, during or after matches. And UEFA can impose financial fines and other disciplinary measures for violations of these rules.


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