World Cup security guard dies after fall at Qatar’s Lusail stadium

John Njau Kibue, a security guard at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, died Tuesday after suffering a fall while working, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said Wednesday.

Kibue, a native of Kenya, according to CNN, was 24 years old.

He was transferred to Hamad Medical Hospital’s intensive care unit after being attended to on-site by medical teams.

“We regret to inform that, despite the efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday Dec. 13, after being in the intensive care unit for three days,” the Supreme Committee said in a statement. “His next of kin have been informed. We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.”


John Njau Kibue
John Njau Kibue
John Njau Family

The electronic screen shows the Argentine flag on the finalist's slot after the team defeated Croatia 3-0 in the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The electronic screen shows the Argentine flag on the finalist’s slot after the team defeated Croatia 3-0 in the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
AFP via Getty Images

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Kibue is the second confirmed worker to die during this World Cup. The Athletic previously reported that a Filipino man died while working at the Sealine Beach resort, where the Saudi Arabian team had its home base. Qatar launched a worker safety investigation last week as a result.

The Lusail Stadium is set to host the World Cup final on Sunday.

The Supreme Committee said it is investigating the incident leading to Kibue’s death and that his family will “receive all outstanding dues and monies owed.”


John Njau Kibue
John Njau Kibue was 24 years old.
John Njau Family

“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,” FIFA said in a statement. “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.”

Kibue’s family in Kenya is also demanding to know what happened.

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

Al Sraiya Security Services, the company Kibue was employed by, hasn’t been in contact with the family officially nor explained what happened, according to Njau.

Said Njau: “It has been so unfortunate and devastating for us as a family.”