Qatari journalist second member of press to die at World Cup

Khalid al-Misslam, a photojournalist for the Qatar-based Al Kass TV, died on Saturday, according to the Doha-based Gulf Times.

"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. We are all Allah's and to Him we return," the Gulf Times reported.

The cause of al-Misslam’s death is currently unclear.

According to the Guardian, the journalist’s death came the same day that a security guard fell from a "significant height" after Argentina’s quarter-final match against the Netherlands in Lusail Stadium.

The fall occurred at around 2 am on Saturday following the match, with the guard being taken to Hamad hospital where he is reportedly in stable but critical condition.

One fan told the outlet that the guard fell from a "significant height" to the ground near gate 30 of the stadium.

In a statement, Qatar’s supreme committee said: “On Saturday 10 December a security guard at Lusail Stadium suffered a serious fall while on duty. Stadium medical teams immediately attended the scene and provided emergency treatment before he was transferred to Hamad Medical Hospital care unit via ambulance.

“He remains in a stable but critical condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this time, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The host country is investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency. He will continue to receive his salary in full while receiving medical care.”

The photojournalist’s death comes just days after Grant Wahl died suddenly during the same match.

On his website, Wahl reported feeling symptoms of illness early last week, writing, "my body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you. What has been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort."

Wahl said that he had tested negative for Covid, and that the medical clinic said that "I probably have bronchitis."

"They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno."

Wahl had worn a pride shirt to a World Cup game on November 21 and was told to remove it.

His brother, Eric Wahl, believes that Grant Wahl was "killed."

"My name is Eric Wahl," Grant's brother said in a clip posted by Outkick. "I'm gay. 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."