FIFA World Cup: The death of a second journalist in less than 48 hours has rocked the FIFA World Cup. On Sunday, the Gulf Times reported that Qatari photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam had died unexpectedly. At this point, the circumstances surrounding Al-death Misslam’s are unknown. He had been covering the World Cup for the Qatari news channel Al Kass TV. Follow FIFA Live Updates on InsideSport.in
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The death of the photojournalist has sent shockwaves down the spine of all the media crew and other journalists in Qatar.
“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,” the Qatari outlet reported.
The news spread like wildfire, and there were some shocking reactions on Twitter by social media users.
It has been reported that Al Kass TV photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam died suddenly on Saturday while covering the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
What is going on?
— Cruz Coaching (@CoachingCruz) December 11, 2022
A second journalist dies in Qatar whilst covering the #WorldCup. Photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam from Qatari news channel Al Kass TV passed away on Saturday; a day before that, US soccer journalist Grant Wahl, 48, collapsed at the match between Argentina and the Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/yy7tXdQl8B
— Monica Grayley (@MonicaGrayley) December 11, 2022
Two journalists have now passed away whilst covering the #FIFAWorldCup: US journalist Grant Wahl & now Qatari photo-journalist Khalid Al-Misslam.
No confirmation or official statement as of yet provided as to cause of death.
May they both Rest In Peacehttps://t.co/yNA6qhDskE— Nima Tavallaey Roodsari (@NimaTavRood) December 11, 2022
Greetings from Doha. Sad day. We lost our friend Grant Wahl. So many memories. He loved documenting all soccer, but especially the unique story that is American soccer…and he was one of the best to do it. My condolences and love to his wife and family. Thank you, Grant. RIP. pic.twitter.com/IK9p2IfDjJ
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) December 10, 2022
This Grant Wahl news is so, so awful. He was one of the best soccer writers and before that, one of the best college basketball writers. Such a cool guy, total gentleman. RIP.
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) December 10, 2022
The shocking news comes just 48 hours after another American journalist, Grant Wahl, died at the World Cup in Qatar.
Due to the country’s ban on homosexuality, Wahl had previously been jailed for attempting to attend a game while wearing a rainbow-colored short. He had also published a number of critical pieces against FIFA’s choice to hold the World Cup for the first time ever in the Middle East and Qatar.
At Lusail Iconic Stadium, the 48-year-old passed out during Argentina’s quarterfinal match against the Netherlands. He was sent to an area hospital but passed away.
Wahl’s brother Eric suggested foul play was involved.
“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.
“We’re still trying to find out. He collapsed at the stadium, was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital and died according to Celine. We just spoke with the state department and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White House.”
Just days before his passing, Wahl had made mention of feeling sick.
“My body I think told me, even after the US went out, ‘dude, you are not sleeping enough.’ It rebelled on me,” he said on a recent podcast episode.
“So I’ve had a case of bronchitis this week, I’ve been to the medical clinic at the media centre twice now, including today. I’m feeling better today I basically cancelled everything on this Thursday that I had and napped. And I’m doing slightly better. I think you can probably tell in my voice that I’m not 100 per cent.”
US Soccer in its statement expressed their condolences on the passing away of Grant Wahl.
“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game. US soccer send its sincerest condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Grounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media.”
The World Cup has been a troublesome one for journalists in particular. At the start of the event, Journalists who went to cover the mega event in Qatar have been subjected to trauma and stress due to the poor security arrangements by the Qatar authorities.
A Danish TV crew, led by Rasmus Tantholdt, who were reporting the World Cup in Qatar, were interrupted by security staff and were threatened that their camera would be broken. Reason? The officials thought they didn’t have a permit to shoot. Rasmus was slightly agitated and was heard saying, ‘You invited the whole world to come here, why can’t we film? It’s a public place.’
We now got an apology from Qatar International Media Office and from Qatar Supreme Committee.
This is what happened when we were broadcasting live for @tv2nyhederne from a roundabout today in Doha. But will it happen to other media as well? #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/NSJj50kLql— Rasmus Tantholdt TV2 (@RasmusTantholdt) November 15, 2022
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In another incident, an Argentine reporter TV reporter was ROBBED on her first day of the tournament. Dominique Metzger was doing a live show when the robbery happened and several items from her handbag were stolen. Her experience with the cops left her dumbstruck as they did tell her that the thief would be caught with the use of high-tech cameras and they could locate him. They asked her what course of action she wished to take, “What justice do you want? What sentence do you want us to give him? Do you want him to be sentenced to five years in prison? Do you want him to be deported?”
With the deaths of US football journalist Grant Wahl and Qatari photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam, one has to wonder if FIFA did enough to make the event safe for journalists.
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