A second journalist has died while covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
According to the Gulf Times, Qatari photojournalist Khalid
al-Misslam died "suddenly" over the weekend.
"Al- Misslam, a Qatari, died abruptly while reporting
the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," the Qatar news agency reported. We trust
in Allah's mercy and pardon for him, and we express our heartfelt condolences
to his family."
Al-Misslam was a World Cup reporter for the Qatari news
station Al Kass TV. The reasons of his death remain unknown, with the TV
station just quickly noting his demise during their live show.
His death comes only days after the loss of famous American
soccer writer Grant Wahl, who died while covering the World Cup in Qatar. He
was 48.
While reporting Argentina's quarter-final triumph against
the Netherlands, Wahl, who had previously worked for Sports Illustrated, fell
at Lusail Iconic Stadium and was transported to a local hospital before passing
away.
It is unknown if he died at the hospital or while being
transported.
Eric, his brother, suspects foul play on the part of the
Qatari
Wahl was initially denied entry to Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and
detained for 30 minutes before the American team's game against Wales because
he was wearing a jersey picturing a soccer ball encircled by a rainbow. He was
ultimately allowed to enter the stadium.
Despite their initial pledges, the Qatari authorities
cracked down on pro-LGBTQ protests during the event.
In addition to his rainbow-themed clothing, Wahl has been a
vocal opponent of the Qatari government and their World Cup hosting.
He wrote on Friday: “They just don’t care. Qatari World Cup organizers
don’t even hide their apathy over migrant worker deaths, including the most
recent one,” in an article on his Substack.
It has emerged that Wah was l featured on a podcast the day
before his death and eluded to feeling sick.
“So I’ve had a case of bronchitis this week, I’ve been to
the medical clinic at the media center twice now, including today. I’m feeling
better today I basically canceled 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 percent.”
It’s said that he collapsed at the stadium, was given CPR
and taken to the hospital.