The fifa world cup was rocked by the death of a second journalist in just 48 hours. The Gulf Hours reported on Sunday that Qatari photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam died “suddenly”.
“Al-Misslam, a Qatari, died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We believe in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for him, and send our deepest condolences to his family. “, reported the Qatari media.
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The circumstances surrounding Al-Misslam’s death are unclear at this stage. He worked for the Qatari news channel Al Kass TV and covered the World Cup.
The devastating news comes just 48 hours after an American journalist Grant Wahl also died at the World Cup in Qatar. Wahl had previously been detained for attempting to wear rainbow shorts to a game, as homosexuality was banned in the country. He had also written a number of scathing articles about Qatar and FIFA’s decision to host the World Cup in the Middle East for the very first time.
The 48-year-old collapsed at the Lusail Iconic Stadium during Argentina’s quarter-final clash with the Netherlands. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died.
Wahl’s brother Eric suggested foul play was involved. “My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I’m Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in a video posted to social media.
“I’m the reason why he wore the rainbow jersey at the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he had received death threats. I don’t believe that My brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just pray for any help.
“We are still trying to find out. He collapsed at the stadium, received CPR, was transported by Uber to the hospital and died according to Celine. We just spoke with the State Department and Celine spoke to Ron Klain and the White House.
Wahl had alluded to being unwell a few days before his death. “I think my body told me, even after I got out of the States, ‘man, you’re not getting enough sleep.’ It rebelled against me,” he said during a recent podcast episode.
“So I had a case of bronchitis this week, I went to the media center medical clinic twice, including today. I feel better today, I pretty much canceled this Thursday and I took a nap. And I’m a little better. I think you can probably tell by my voice that I’m not 100 percent.”
World Cup rocked by shocking double tragedy
US Soccer said in a statement: “The entire American football family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of the highest quality football and journalism knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its main protagonists: the teams, players, coaches and the many personalities who make football football a different sport.
“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for the game of football and his commitment to raising his profile in our sporting landscape have played a major role in helping to generate interest and respect for our beautiful game. Equally important, the Grant’s belief in the power of play to advance human rights has been and will remain an inspiration to all.
“American football sends its deepest condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Grounder, and all of his family, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant for his immense dedication and impact on our game in the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on.
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