US soccer journalist Grant Wahl passes away in Qatar while covering World Cup
Grant Wahl, a well-known American soccer journalist, passed away in Qatar while covering the World Cup, according to his brother. He was 48.
Wahl, who had previously worked for Sports Illustrated before starting his own Substack, collapsed at Lusail Iconic Stadium while covering Argentina’s quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands on Friday. He was taken to a nearby hospital after the incident. It’s unknown if he passed while in the hospital or while being transported.
Eric, his brother, thinks the Qatari government may have been involved in illegal activity. Recently, Grant Wahl was jailed for reporting the World Cup while donning a rainbow-coloured jersey. Recently, Grant Wahl was jailed for reporting the World Cup while donning a rainbow-coloured jersey.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in a video posted to his Instagram account. “I’m 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.”
Prior to the USMNT’s World Cup game against Wales, Wahl was initially not allowed into Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and detained for 30 minutes for wearing a shirt depicting a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow. He was eventually let into the stadium.
The Qatari government cracked down on pro-LGBTQ demonstrations at the tournament despite their original promises not to.
“We’re still trying to find out,” Eric continued. “He collapsed at the stadium, was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital and died according to Celine. We just spoke with the state department and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White House.”
Wahl was married to Céline R. Gounder, an American infectious disease physician who served on the COVID-19 Advisory Board transition team for President Joe Biden.
During the game, Wahl was tweeting coverage of the proceedings. His last tweet was at 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time.
“I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight,” Grounder tweeted. “I’m in complete shock.”
A Mission, Kan. native, Wahl attended Princeton University. In addition to his work at Sports Illustrated, he was also a soccer correspondent and analyst for CBS Sports and Fox Sports, and authored the book “The Beckham Experiment.”
“The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” U.S. Soccer said in a statement. “Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: Teams, players, coaches, and the many personalities that make soccer, unlike any sport. Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a significant role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.
US soccer journalist Grant Wahl passes away in Qatar while covering World Cup
“As important, 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.
“U.S. soccer send its sincerest condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Grounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication to and impact on out game in the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on.”
