A point of reference in the area, the North American was in her eighth world career; at the start of the tournament, the professional reported that he was banned from a stadium for wearing a t-shirt with the symbol of the LGBT+ flag
American sportscaster Grant Wahl, 48, who was in Qatar to cover his eighth world Cup in his career, he died in the early hours of Saturday after the match between Argentina and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
There is no conclusive information on the cause of death of the journalist, considered one of the main references in the country in the field of sports coverage. The American press and international agencies report that the professional fell ill during the extension of the match between the Argentines and the Dutch, played at the Lusail Stadium. The victim’s brother Eric, however, disputes the story and believes Wahl was murdered.
Witnesses close to Wahl in the stadium’s press box report that the reporter fell backward on his chair while the game was in overtime. Other reporters describe that emergency services workers quickly helped him, but moments later, news professionals received word that the American was dead.
There is no precise information on whether Grant Wahl died in the hospital where he was taken or en route to the health unit where he was treated.
On Monday, Wahl wrote that he had to visit a hospital because he wasn’t feeling well. “What had been a cold for the last 10 days turned into something more serious the night of the USA-Netherlands match (within the round of 16), and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort,” she wrote.
“I haven’t had Covid (I get tested regularly here) but I went to the doctor’s office today at the main media center and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me antibiotics and strong cough syrup and I I feel a little better already a few hours later,” he added.
At the start of the World Cup, the journalist reported on his social networks that he was arrested at the Ahmed bin Ali stadium, before the match between United States And Wales, for the first round of the Cup, for wearing a rainbow print T-shirt. Qatar has adopted a policy of repression of demonstrations in favor of the LGBT+ movement, whose flag bears the colors of the rainbow.
Subsequently, the journalist returned to social media to update the case and revealed that he had managed to enter the stadium after being held for almost half an hour. “I’m fine but it was an unnecessary provocation. I’m in the press area, still wearing my shirt. I was held up for almost half an hour. Come on gay,” he wrote.
brother accuses murder
According to Eric Wahl, brother of Grant and gay, the journalist went to the stadium with the T-shirt just to support him. “They’re the reason he wore the rainbow jersey to the World Cup match,” Eric said in a video posted to his Instagram account. He closed the social network a few minutes later.
In the publication, he states that his brother was healthy and that he believes Grant was killed, not the victim of some disease. “My brother was healthy. He told me he got death threats. I don’t think my brother just died. I think he was killed. And I’m just asking for help,” he said.
Tribute
Grant Wahl’s activism was remembered by the North American Football Federation, which, in a statement, mourned the journalist’s death.
“Equally important was Grant’s belief in the power of the game to promote human rights. This has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all. Grant has made football his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will be no more in US Soccer, which sends its sincere condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, and all of his family, friends and colleagues in the media,” the organization wrote.
Celine Gounder, Wahl’s wife, thanked the tributes and said she was devastated by her husband’s death. “So grateful for the support of the football family and many friends who have approached us tonight. I am in complete shock,” she wrote Celine.
American soccer statement on Grant Wahl’s death: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— American Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
Grant Wahl
A 1996 Princeton graduate, Wahl worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021 and was primarily recognized for his coverage of football, college basketball, and women’s soccer.
Attending his eighth World Cup, Wahl was one of 82 journalists honored by FIFA for attending eight or more World Cups. Brazilian storytellers Galvão Bueno and Luis Roberto, of Rede Globo, were also decorated with the honor.
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Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
