Grant Wahl was an American journalist who was covering the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. He was an analyst for CBS Sports and even wrote for Fox Sports. Wahl wore a rainbow t-shirt in support of the LGBTQ community and was detained by the Qatari authorities. Wahl was later released and was covering the match between Argentina and Netherlands.
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
News emerged following the match, that Wahl had collapsed at the Lusail Stadium, where the match was taking place. Wahl‘s passing away caused shock all over the world. Following this shocking news, another journalist has been reported to have died in Qatar. The deaths of journalists have worried and enraged some fans, who have voiced their opinions on social media.
Fans outraged after reporters’ death in FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar
As reported by Monica Grayley, another journalist has died in Qatar. Photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam from Qatari news channel Al Kass TV passed away on Saturday. Wahl had reportedly collapsed and could not be revived following this, but the circumstances of al-Misslam’s death are still unclear. Fans were outraged regarding the sudden deaths of journalists covering the controversial World Cup.
I hope both these deaths are properly investigated!
— SupportersAgainstTheGlazers (@All_Glazers_Out) December 12, 2022
Very suspicious. Gets arrested for wearing a rainbow teeshirt and then this… 🤔
— Martie Q 🖤🤍⬛️⬜️ (@Malaga_Mag) December 10, 2022
Now if only @FIFAWorldCup wasn’t a corrupt money and power grab at the expense of human rights.
IF it is true that @GrantWahl’s death was foul play this lands squarely at your feet.
— Michael Redman ⭐️⭐️ 🌹 (@NoRuleButThree) December 10, 2022
qatar must be investigated for this…. such a shame being that this has been such an amazing tournament. my heart goes out to his family and loved ones❤️
— Cooyah ! (@Cooyah_) December 10, 2022
Fans also reacted to Wahl’s brother’s statement.
Ever heard of sudden death ? It happens all the time, being ‘healthy’ doesn’t garantee you anything. But humans love a conspiracy story. Maybe its a reminder to all of us to do some good before it catches us too.
— Agdal Tarek – Data Guy 🇲🇦 (@TarekAgdal) December 10, 2022
Although in his newsletter earlier this week, Wahl had said, “I probably have bronchitis,” after visiting a doctor at the media center in Qatar. “My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress, and lots of work can do that to you. I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort. Feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno.” Wahl was only 48 years old.
The Qatar news outlet for which Al-Misslam worked, 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”.
There have been no updates regarding Khalid al-Misslam’s death. The deaths took place just 48 hours apart, which caused a lot of outrage among fans. Al-Misslam was also reportedly in his 40s.
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