An American sports journalist has died while covering the World Cup in Qatar, his family and U.S. Soccer have said.
Former Sports Illustrated reporter Grant Wahl died while covering Argentina’s game against the Netherlands before switching to Substack, according to NPR.
American journalists sitting near him said he collapsed in their seats during overtime, in the section of the stadium reserved for reporters.
They called for help and while emergency services responded swiftly, they were later told Mr Wall – believed to be 49 – had died.
No further details were released about his death.
His wife, Dr Celine Gounder, thanked those who “reached out to help tonight”, but added on Twitter: “I am in complete shock”.
Mr Wahl said last month he was briefly detained when he tried to enter Qatar’s World Cup stadium while wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ community.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.
Detained for wearing a rainbow shirt
He said on Twitter that he was detained for 25 minutes for wearing the jersey and that security guards “forcibly” took his phone and asked him to remove it before entering the stadium.
He said he declined.
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Mr Wahl also wrote on Monday that he had been to a hospital in Qatar, saying: “My body finally broke – three weeks of sleep deprivation, stress and a lot of work breaks you down.
“The cold of the past 10 days got worse on the night of the US v Holland game and I could feel the new pressure and discomfort in my upper chest.
“I don’t have COVID (I’m tested regularly here), but I went to the medical clinic in the main media center today and they said I might have bronchitis.
“They gave me a course of antibiotics and some strong cough syrup, and within a few hours I was feeling better. But still: no bueno.”
US ‘engaged with senior Qatari officials’
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted late Friday: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Grant Wahl’s death and extend our condolences to his family, with whom we have remained in close contact. connect.
“We are engaging with senior Qatari officials to ensure his family’s wishes are fulfilled as soon as possible.”
US Soccer said: “The entire US Soccer family is devastated to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.
“Football fans and journalists of the highest quality know that we can always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its main protagonists: teams, players, coaches and the many things that make football unlike any sport figure.
“In the United States, Grant’s passion for football and commitment to raising its profile in our sport has been instrumental in helping drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.
“Equally important, Grant believed in the power of the movement to advance human rights, which has been and continues to be an inspiration to all.
“Grant made football his life’s work and we are devastated that he and his fantastic production will no longer be with us.”
A spokesman for the Supreme Delivery and Legacy Committee (SC) said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of American journalist Grant Wahl.
“Grant, known for his enormous love of football, was in Qatar covering his eighth World Cup.
“He fell ill in the media stands at the Lusail Stadium during Argentina’s quarter-final against the Netherlands last night.
“He received immediate emergency treatment at the scene and continued to receive treatment after he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital.
“Our deepest condolences to Grant’s family, friends and many of his close colleagues in the media.”