US Soccer Writer; Grant Wahl Passes Away During A World Cup Game In Qatar

One of the most prominent American football writers; Grant Wahl, passed away early on Saturday while covering Argentina vs. Netherlands World Cup match.

US media seats next to him reported that during extra time of the game, Mr. Wahl slumped back in his seat in an area of Lusail Iconic Stadium allocated for journalists, and reporters next to him shouted for help.

The World Cup organizing committee stated in a statement that “he got urgent emergency medical treatment on site, which continued until he was taken by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital.” The statement did not specify a cause of death.

“We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes.”

On Wednesday, Mr. Wahl posted a tweet announcing his birthday. He was 48.

“We could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists,” the US Soccer Federation said in a statement.

“Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”

This was Mr. Wahl’s eighth World Cup to cover. On Monday, he posted on his website that while in Qatar, he had gone to a clinic.

“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress, and lots of work can do that to you,” Mr. Wahl wrote.

“What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”

Mr. Wahl wrote that he tested negative for Covid-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.

“I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis.

“They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno,” he wrote.

In support of LGBTQ rights, Mr. Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt to the United States World Cup opener against Wales on November 21. He later claimed that security turned him away and told him to take the shirt off.

Qatar, a devoutly Muslim country, outlaws homosexual and lesbian relations.

Mr. Wahl stated he was detained for 25 minutes at Ahmed Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, then was allowed to go by a security commander. Fifa allegedly offered an apology to Mr. Wahl.

Late on Friday, spokeswoman for the US State Department Ned Price tweeted: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”

Mr. Wahl is survived by his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, an associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, attending physician at Bellevue Hospital Centre, and CBS News contributor.

I am so appreciative of the support from my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve contacted out tonight, the woman said on Twitter. I’m stunned.

82 journalists were recognized by Fifa and the international sports press association AIPS for attending eight or more World Cups. Mr. Wahl, who occasionally votes in Fifa’s annual awards, wrote this week that he was one of those 82 journalists.