Two journalists die in Qatar while covering FIFA World Cup
Two journalists have died within days of each other while covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Gulf Times reported Qatari photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam passed away “suddenly” on the weekend.
The Qatar news outlet wrote, “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.”
Al-Misslam had been covering the World Cup since it began in Doha at the end of November.
The circumstances around his death are unclear.
Al-Misslam's death comes just days after influential American soccer journalist Grant Wahl died at the age of 48 while also covering the games in Qatar.
While covering Argentina’s quarter-final win over the Netherlands, Wahl collapsed at the Lusail Iconic Stadium and was rushed to a nearby hospital before his death.
It’s unclear whether he died at the hospital or in transport.
While there is yet to be a clear cause of death determined, Grant's brother Eric believes foul play from the Qatari government may have been involved.
Prior to the American team’s game against Wales, Wahl was initially not allowed into Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and detained for 30 minutes for wearing a shirt depicting a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow.
He was eventually let into the stadium, despite the Qatari government's crackdown on pro-LGBTQ demonstrations at the tournament.
Wahl had been struggling with minor health issues while covering the games and had been to a medical centre in Qatar twice.
Grant's brother Eric said he is in "complete shock" over the sudden death of his brother and is pleading for answers.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in a video posted to his Instagram account.
“I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help."
Image credits: Twitter