Grant Wahl, arguably US Soccer's most renowned soccer journalist, shared a troubling tale from his first day in Qatar. A Danish crew working for TV2 also received threats while doing a live broadcast from a roundabout in Doha. Were they misunderstandings fueled by culture shock or a sign of the media oppression that is to come?
Wahl, who has covered the US Men's National Team for over two decades for different media, shared the experience of his first day in Qatar through his substack page: 'Fútbol with Grant Wahl'.
Grant Wahl's surreal run-in with a Qatari security guard
The former Sports Illustrated writer began explaining his experience in picking up his credentials: "My day had a weird start. I visited the FIFA Broadcast & Media Accreditation Centre to pick up my World Cup credential. Everything seemed normal". Wahl explained a slogan he saw on the wall caught his attention and he took a cell phone photo of it: "Within seconds, a security guard walked over. 'Picture is not allowed, sir.'"
That's when the shocking ordeal began: "There was nothing posted saying that photos were not to be taken. I looked at him quizzically. "But I was just taking a picture of the slogan on the wall." And what he said next was absolutely wild..."
"'Kindly delete it, sir," the guard told him. With which Wahl replied with: "Seriously?" and proceeded to (rightfully) not heed to the guard's demands.
Why the security guard incident is troubling
Even for FIFA tournaments, which are notorious for being very strict with credentialed media, the fact that the guard tried to force Wahl to delete the picture from his phone is problematic.
For one, the image is his private property once it is on his phone. If the area indeed had no photography permitted, it is normal for the guard to inform the journalist in this case.
The disturbing scenes in Danish TV2's broadcast
While filming a World Cup 2022 preview segment in Doha, Danish correspondent Rasmus Tantholdt was interrupted and threatened by a security guard and men in traditional clothing. The journalist performed a master class in how to deal with the situation, by showing his credentials and insisting they had the right to film anywhere on public property.
The confrontation, however, grew more heated and the men threatened the "break" the crew's camera equipment.
Tantholdt then informed what happened afterwards: "We now got an apology from Qatar International Media Office and from Qatar Supreme Commitee". Despite the apology, he rightfully asks: "Will it happen to other media as well?"
chango25
0
the world knows how awkward amd unfriendly these countries are. Why do they give them right to host the world if they will not tolerant the attitude of the world coming to them. didn't they claim a religion of peace and tolerance.
Leave the Religion and say what ever else you want say bro don’t mix things which doesn’t have anything to do with religions for
fiyacikmt
0
If they are so intolerent and not ready why would they want to host a big international tournament? Atleast let the games end uninterrupted. I know many more stories will unfold after the tournament.
Cadcadd
0
The joys of Islam
Sherryitalavista
1
Qatar is not your country, if u don'tike it there go back to ur country
fuycdmnpu
0
I don't know why fifa even allow Qatar to host the wc, these arabs are evil and they'll treat other very badly
wow in every society there a good and bad people cant use the actions of a few horrible people to judge an entire nation.
Ellajonnez
1
world cup is an event that brings different culture and ethnicity together for a whole month. it is meant to be loved, watched and enjoyed. during this period, you are expected to see different traits, character, displays and behavior. so you should be prepared as a host with open mind. this is not the time to enforce your country law. let all the securities and guards be properly oriented and let them know that these are people from different backgrounds, you don't expect them to start living your culture and lifestyle in just few days.
Wizzycletus
0
Media you have a big problem, you want to import your culture of lawlessness and promotion of gay rights to Qatar forgetting the great saying ' When you goto Rome do what the Romans do '. it is absurd how you want people coming into your Countries behave according to your culture and values yet u decry the no gay middle eastern culture
Did you read the article at all? who wrote about gay here? u just sound stupid right now bro u sound dumb.
LauwalRabs
2
there is no county without rules and regulations..... and stop criticizing them because they host a world cup, they get money and fifa are after money.....
Damckorz
3
the world knows how awkward amd unfriendly these countries are. Why do they give them right to host the world if they will not tolerant the attitude of the world coming to them. didn't they claim a religion of peace and tolerance.
Jaaeilmpsy
0
this is not world cup is poltics cup they start against the rule
Busbybabes
1
Still figuring out what rule you'll be breaking by taking a picture !!
Busbybabes
0
Ignorance is no excuse. The journalists need to know the rules. Not all rules will written on signs. Journalists, players or fans have no rights in Qatar. Everyone needs to take this fact seriously.
What a mess of mentality , what a mess of a country!!
Busbybabes
0
Maybe the creator of the universe want to use this world cup to teach the world some morals.
What are these morales exactly ?? Not to take a picture ??
Seannasnat
0
arabic countries are all the same,not friendly and easy to anger..crazy created being
Ladbdelopy
3
People just wants to disrespect Qatar and that is something it not gonna happen. just 28 days , follow the country rules and focus on football.
Ntorres
1
I don't know why fifa even allow Qatar to host the wc, these arabs are evil and they'll treat other very badly
Macacdotyz
4
why is it that people don't want to respect Qatar's rules but want everything to be like they want?
Locikrsuyz
1
Bad drama from the american
Boncoprsty
1
FIFA shouldn't allow this arabe people to organize the world cup.they are so complicate .they said world cup,not arabe cup ,world is coming to you,so be kind just one month
Alai Konyak Wangnao
0
You are hea fo football talk about Football
TiyanjaneChalamwendo
6
the problem with the so called elite countries is that they want everything to go in their way... this is Qatar and its a sovereign country... they follow their rules not the elite rules... it's a take it or leave it situation... follow the rules or go home...
Kbhcityfan
0
What’s the point of having police/security forces if they don’t A) know the rules in their own country and B) don’t accept/understand credentials that their own government recognises. This would never happen in Denmark
wiubdiklmu
0
I'm not buying these lies especially when they're coming from American journalists. Let's assume the incident is true and the security guard told you to delete the picture, what is wrong with that. Shameless lying being mtsww.
God bless America
wiubdiklmu
0
Media you have a big problem, you want to import your culture of lawlessness and promotion of gay rights to Qatar forgetting the great saying ' When you goto Rome do what the Romans do '. it is absurd how you want people coming into your Countries behave according to your culture and values yet u decry the no gay middle eastern culture
you are just a bankrupt guy, get out of here
danny7_ida
0
Media you have a big problem, you want to import your culture of lawlessness and promotion of gay rights to Qatar forgetting the great saying ' When you goto Rome do what the Romans do '. it is absurd how you want people coming into your Countries behave according to your culture and values yet u decry the no gay middle eastern culture
which media is bringing gay? they were simply doing their jobs
capaeikp
1
Media you have a big problem, you want to import your culture of lawlessness and promotion of gay rights to Qatar forgetting the great saying ' When you goto Rome do what the Romans do '. it is absurd how you want people coming into your Countries behave according to your culture and values yet u decry the no gay middle eastern culture
No media whatsoever is bringing gay culture to qatar, you are out of yoir mind fam... There only job is to record the scenes happening at the world cup, get a life boy
fobbnotuz
5
Media you have a big problem, you want to import your culture of lawlessness and promotion of gay rights to Qatar forgetting the great saying ' When you goto Rome do what the Romans do '. it is absurd how you want people coming into your Countries behave according to your culture and values yet u decry the no gay middle eastern culture
Maina-jr
0
what can you expect from Muslim country
You a victim of your own ignorance, get help.
Maina-jr
1
I'm not buying these lies especially when they're coming from American journalists. Let's assume the incident is true and the security guard told you to delete the picture, what is wrong with that. Shameless lying being mtsww.
The_Ancient_Sun
0
at least not the killing of Muslims by the name of cows in your favourite country 😅. more your religious people invade Muslim countries, more you will get educated 🤣
What can you expect after billions of Hindus being killed and raped?? Cow honour is just an excuse of Hindus to take revenge
Single-Bone
3
Maybe the creator of the universe want to use this world cup to teach the world some morals.
Single-Bone
1
We know those behind all these. It's gonna be a dramatic world cup. Trust me a certain community will intentionally try to get on the nerves of the Qatar authorities by an open display of the forbidden.
vakabmory
2
Its a world event... you have to follow how the world moves... this world cup is a joke.. still would watch it for football😑
kiskops
1
what can you expect from Muslim country
at least not the killing of Muslims by the name of cows in your favourite country 😅. more your religious people invade Muslim countries, more you will get educated 🤣
tiuadkstu
2
Everyone has to respect other countries rules and regulation . The guest/tourist should respect Qatar's rules and mind their own business . we asian and African never questioned western countries rules and regulations which was also forced on us after 400 years of colonial slavery .
Deaacinz
2
After they realized that Qatar is not what they thought they pushed the red button to announce war.
Cakacoy
4
Respect the rules. This World Cup should have been boycotted. Now you guys are seeing the true quality of this Country. Ohhh by the way, they have the right to say no gays. It’s their Country.
Obk994
4
Just another propaganda against Qatar 🇶🇦, just abide by their laws and everything will be fine
AndroG
0
what can you expect from Muslim country
sToneyvibezz
0
All media should boycott the event in protest, to uphold freedom of speech.
there should be a dislike option on this app so comments like this can banned
Iskutashi11
0
All media should boycott the event in protest, to uphold freedom of speech.
Freedom what 😂😂
jiyadmstyz
4
You don't come to dictate the rules as a visitor, abide by the rules, if you don't like it, go back
Stickle
3
Ignorance is no excuse. The journalists need to know the rules. Not all rules will written on signs. Journalists, players or fans have no rights in Qatar. Everyone needs to take this fact seriously.
Kubceknpru
5
All media should boycott the event in protest, to uphold freedom of speech.