On a day we've all celebrated an incredible World Cup final, a reminder that there are still very serious questions hanging over the way in which this tournament has been conducted.
The head of Qatar’s 2022 organising committee has claimed an investigation into the death of a security guard who fell to his death at the World Cup final stadium found the man was “intoxicated”.
Kenyan John Njau Kibue was initially said to be in a stable but critical condition after the fall, but died after three days in hospital.
Qatari organisers said they were “investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency”.
When The Athletic asked for an update on this investigation after today's final, Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, claimed that the report had found Kibue was “intoxicated”.
Al Thawadi said: “The results have come out. Unfortunately he was intoxicated and he fell. And that was the result of the death.”
Asked if he could detail which part of the Lusail Stadium was the site of the death, Al Thawadi said: “I don’t know the exact location as of this moment, I’m sorry I am actually quite exhausted so I do apologise.
“But his brother did attend and was with him at the hospital until he passed away. And we’re in touch with the family. To ensure he receives all relevant compensation and to ensure we support the family in any way possible.”
Alcohol is not banned in Qatar, but it is not readily available, either. Most visitors to the country are only able to purchase it at bars inside designated hotels.
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