Grant Wahl, an American journalist covering the 2022 FIFA World Cup has died after he collapsed during a match.
Wahl, who worked for CBS Sports, collapsed during the Argentina vs Netherlands game.
Qatar’s World Cup organizers said on Saturday that Wahl “fell ill” in the press area, where he received “immediate medical treatment on site.”
“This was towards the end of extra time in the match. Suddenly, colleagues up to my left started shouting for medical assistance. Obviously, someone had collapsed. Because the chairs are freestanding, people were able to move the chairs, so it’s possible to create a little bit of space around him,” Keir Radnedge, a columnist at World Soccer Magazine, told CNN.
Wahl had revealed a few days earlier on his “Futbol with Grant Wahl” podcast that he was dealing with bronchitis.
“My body told me, even after the U.S. went out, ‘Dude you are not sleeping enough.’ It rebelled on me,” he said on the podcast to co-host Chris Wittyngham. “It had gotten pretty bad in terms of like the tightness in my chest, tightness, pressure. Feeling pretty hairy, bad.”
His brother, Eric Wahl, confirmed his death on Instagram, while also saying that he believes his brother was killed.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington, I am Grant Wahl’s brother,” he said announcing his brother’s death on Instagram Friday.
“I am gay, I am 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.”
“I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock,” Wahl’s wife Celine Gounder tweeted.
“The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” US Soccer said in a statement on its official Twitter account.
“Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”
“It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, whilst reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“Only some days ago, Grant was recognized by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events. His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.”
The veteran journalist has covered the beautiful game for over 2 decades, and has covered 6 men’s World Cup and 5 women’s World Cup tournaments.
