Security guard dies after fall at stadium to host World Cup final

Posted Thursday, December 15, 2022 by ESPN

A security guard has died after a fall at the World Cup's Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.

The family of a security guard who died while on duty at the World Cup's Lusail Stadium in Qatar are seeking answers and hope to receive help to return the body of the 24-year-old to his homeland, Kenya, they said on Wednesday.

John Njau Kibue suffered a serious fall on Dec. 10, tournament organisers the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said in a statement on Wednesday.

They added that medical teams immediately attended the scene and provided emergency treatment before he was transferred to Hamad Medical Hospital's intensive care unit via ambulance.

"We regret to announce that, despite the efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday 13 December, after being in the intensive care unit for three days," the statement said.

"His next of kin have been informed. We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time."

Kibue's family in Kenya are hoping to receive more than just condolences, however, as they continue to wait for the company he worked for to explain what really happened.

"For us as a family -- definitely, we want some answers. And if possible, we want for them to facilitate the return of the body," Samuel Njau, John's uncle, told Reuters, referring to the Qatari government and the company Kibue worked for.

That company, Al Sraiya Security Services, has not communicated with the family officially nor explained what happened, Njau said.

"It has been so unfortunate and devastating for us as a family," Njau said.

The 24-year-old Kibue had been working in Qatar for a little over a year in the hopes of earning enough money to help his family.

His family shared pictures of a smiling Kibue, an Argentina fan, posing for pictures at the Argentina v Netherlands match. He fell to his death after that game, his uncle said.

Qatar has long been a popular destination for Kenyan migrant workers.

Last year, Malcolm Bidali, a Kenyan security guard in Qatar who blogged about poor working conditions there, was detained and accused of spreading disinformation before being released.

The World Cup organisers said they are investigating the circumstances leading to Kibue's fall "as a matter of urgency" and would provide further information pending the outcome of the investigation.

"We will also ensure that his family receive all outstanding dues and monies owed," the statement added.

FIFA issued a statement on Wednesday which said the governing body is in "constant contact" with local authorities investigating the incident.

"FIFA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Njau Kibue a security guard employed to work at Lusail Stadium as a result of injuries suffered in an accident on Dec. 10 of 2022," the statement said.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his loved ones at this sad time. FIFA remains in constant contact with local authorities who are investigating the circumstances leading to this tragic incident and will work with its Qatari counterparts to ensure that his family receives all outstanding dues and monies owed."

Last week, Qatar launched a worker safety investigation into the death of a Filipino following reports that the man died while working at a training site during the World Cup.

The World Cup final will be staged at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, with Argentina facing the winners of the semifinal between France and Morocco being played later on Wednesday.