AceShowbiz - The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been rocked by the death of two journalists in just 48 hours. Qatari photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam and American journalist Grant Wahl sadly passed away when covering the world's biggest soccer tournament.

The Gulf Times confirmed on Sunday, December 11 that Qatari Khalid al-Misslam died "suddenly." The outlet reported, "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 circumstances surrounding Khalid's sudden passing are unclear at this time. Khalid had been working for the Qatari news channel Al Kass TV and died while covering the World Cup.

The devastating news comes less than 48 hours after Grant also died at the World Cup in Qatar. Grant had previously been detained for trying to wear a rainbow short to a match, with homosexuality outlawed in the country. He had also written a number of scathing articles about Qatar and FIFA's decision to host the World Cup in the Middle East for the first time ever.

Grant collapsed at Lusail Iconic Stadium during Argentina's clash with the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. The 48-year-old prominent U.S. Soccer writer was rushed to a nearby hospital but he, unfortunately, lost his life.

In a statement, U.S. Soccer wrote, "The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl." It added, "Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: Teams, players, coaches, and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport."

Grant's brother Eric, meanwhile, suggested foul play was involved. "My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl's brother. I'm gay," he said in a video posted to social media. "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," Eric continued. "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."

A State Department spokesman tweeted that the agency is "engaged" with Qatari officials after Grant's death. "We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family's wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible," Ned Price stated.