Another tragedy has struck the 2022 FIFA World Cup … Qatari photographer Khalid al-Misslam suddenly passed away while covering the famous soccer event on Saturday.
A local Qatari outlet reports al-Misslam — who worked for Al Kass TV — collapsed during the Saturday games and died later in the local hospital.”Al-Misslam, a Qatari, died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” the Gulf Times said.
“We believe in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for him and send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Of course, al-Misslam’s death is chilling … because he’s not the only person who has died. A popular American soccer journalist passed away over the weekend at the World Cup.CBS Sports’ Grant Wahl also collapsed … while working the Netherlands-Argentina match at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday. He passed away after being transported to the hospital by Uber.
But, Grant’s brother, Eric, believes there was foul play. He says Grant was receiving death threats after wearing a shirt in Qatar supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Wahl had also been critical of the Qatari government.
Wahl’s untimely death has devastated a lot of people … including LeBron James who said Grant, who wrote his first Sports Illustrated cover story, was “always pretty cool to be around.”
Khalid al-Misslami was a photojournalist working for Al Kass TV, a sports broadcaster in the Gulf state, and is believed to have passed away on Saturday. Local outlet the Gulf Times wrote on Twitter : “Al Kass TV photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam passed away recently.
“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 Kass TV confirmed the news in a live broadcast on one of their eight channels over he weekend, while they appear to be waiting for updates on the cause of Al-Misslam’s death.
There was more tragedy on Saturday when leading American sports writer Graht Wahl died after collapsing during the quarter-final between Netherlands and Argentina. The 48-year-old was said to have fallen back in his seat at Lusail Iconic Stadium and was attended by medical staff who performed CPR and used an automatic chest compressor before his death was announced following a reported heart attack.
“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.”
Wahl’s body is due to be flown back to the United States on Monday and the cause of death will be determined by an autopsy. FIFA president Gianni Infantino reacted to the news of his passing by saying: “It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events. His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.
His death came just hours after Wahl passed away while covering a World Cup match between Argentina and Netherlands. Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Stadium during extra time and reporters near him called for assistance.
He was covering his eighth World Cup and wrote last Monday he visited a medical clinic while in Qatar. He tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.
“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote in his Substack. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.
The circumstances of al-Misslam’s death were unclear but the announcement was made on the same day that a security guard was seriously injured when he fell at Lusail Iconic Stadium, the Guardian reported.
The guard — who is reportedly a migrant worker — fell about 2 a.m. local time Saturday after the quarter-final game between Argentina and the Netherlands.
Wahl, 49, died after collapsing at the Lusail Stadium while covering the same game as the guard.
Witnesses said he fell back in his seat, received emergency medical treatment on-site and was taken to a hospital. It was unclear whether he died at the hospital or en route to it.
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