Have Palestinian children become UEFA's propaganda tools?

Pars Today—The 2025 European Super Cup final between France's Paris Saint-Germain and England's Tottenham in Italy presented a scene unlike any before.

Middle East Eye recently reported: Before the start of the 2025 UEFA Super Cup final between France's Paris Saint-Germain and England's Tottenham in Udine, Italy, Palestinian refugee children displayed a large banner on the field with the slogan "Stop killing children and civilians"—an act that quickly gained widespread coverage in the media and on social networks.

According to Pars Today, UEFA, the organizer of the competition, described the message on its official page as "clear and unambiguous." However, reactions showed that many did not share this view.

Human rights activists and football fans accused UEFA of merely resorting to a "moral gesture" and a "performative act," while avoiding direct mention of the Israeli regime as the perpetrator of civilian massacres in Gaza.

"Naming the crime without naming the criminal is cowardice."

Amnesty International UK described UEFA's move as "cowardly." Rohan Talbot, director of Medical Aid for Palestinians, also questioned: "Who is this message directed at? Who is killing children? Who is targeting civilians?"

Tariq Kenney-Shawa, writer and analyst, also issued a sharp critique, stating:

"Vague and meaningless slogans allow Israel to claim it supports peace while simultaneously killing children and civilians. The bare minimum is to explicitly name Israel and expel it from UEFA competitions."

Palestinian children's presence: A "propaganda stunt"?

Two Palestinian refugee children also appeared alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin during the medal ceremony—yet even this drew sharp criticism.

Layla Hamed, a sports journalist, wrote in an op-ed: "These children are refugees because Israel has occupied their land for 77 years and displaced their people. You can’t put them on stage while still supporting their oppressors."

Critics slammed the move as nothing more than "political theater," especially given that just one day after the match, Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv took the field in UEFA competitions.

Ahmed Eldin, a journalist, fired back sharply: "You can’t parade Palestinian children while allowing a team that represents occupiers to compete under UEFA’s banner."

UEFA's double standards on Israel and Russia

A major focus of criticism has been UEFA's glaring hypocrisy. Social media users pointed out that Russia was immediately banned from competitions after invading Ukraine, while Israel continues to compete in European tournaments despite its bloody war on Gaza.

One user wrote: "For two years, you’ve dragged your feet on Gaza, and now issuing meaningless statements—while acting swiftly and decisively against Russia."

"The Mohamed Salah effect" and public pressure

Just days before the match, Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's Egyptian star, had criticized UEFA for honoring Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Abid without acknowledging that he was martyred in an Israeli attack. Many believe UEFA's recent actions—including announcing partnerships with charities to aid Gaza's children—are a direct result of this backlash and what’s being called "the Salah effect."

According to the Palestinian Football Association, at least 400 footballers have been martyred in Israel’s assault on Gaza, with nearly 300 sports facilities—from stadiums to clubs—completely destroyed.

Conclusion

The "Stop Killing Children" banner displayed at the UEFA Super Cup may have been an attempt by the organization to show empathy, but to many, it came across as nothing more than a hollow publicity stunt.

Public opinion and human rights activists argue that the time for vague slogans is over—what’s needed now is real action: banning Israel from European competitions, just as Russia was.