The famous football journalist Grant Wahl died during the 2022 FIFA World Cup match against the Netherlands and Argentina. Journalists sitting near Wahl in the media box at Lusail Stadium said he suddenly collapsed into his seat.
Emergency service workers responded quickly and treated him for 30 minutes. He was later taken to the hospital where it was reported that he had died. Grant Wahl posted a photo of himself celebrating his birthday on Wednesday. People close to Wahl claimed that he was 49 years old.
Grant Wahl’s brother questions the Qatari government
The American journalist was briefly detained by the Qatari government last month for wearing a rainbow T-shirt in support of the LQBTQ community. His brother, Eric, questions the Government of Qatar about his death.
He said: “I’m Eric Wahl from Seattle, Washington. I’m Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in an Instagram video. “He wore the rainbow jersey at the World Cup for me. My brother was healthy. He informed me that he received death threats. I don’t think Grant will just die. I think they killed him. And I ask for any help.
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He also stated that the family is in contact with the United States government and White House officials. Grant Wahl’s wife, Celine Gounder, an epidemiologist, also expressed shock on her social media account. The couple married in 2001 after meeting at her alma mater.
Grant Wahl, a Princeton University alumnus, began his career as an intern for the Miami Herald in 1994. He is best known for his time at Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports.
Wahl reported on 12 NCAA basketball tournaments, eight FIFA Men’s World Cups, four FIFA Women’s World Cups, and five Olympic Games during his career.
Wahl also authored the 2009 New York Times bestseller The Beckham Experiment. The book focused on David Beckham’s move to Major League Soccer club La Galaxy in 2007.
Soccer fans, players and journalists have taken to social media to send messages of condolence.
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LeBron James spoke about the death of Grant Wahl at a post-game press conference. Wahl wrote a story about James in 2002 when he was a high school player.
Piers Morgan also tweeted about his death:
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano also expressed shock at her death.
