CNN
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Prominent American journalist Grant Wahl died in Qatar after collapsing while covering the World Cup, sending shock and grief through the sports world.
He “collapsed” in the press area while covering Friday’s Argentina-Netherlands match, a witness told CNN.
The circumstances of his death are unclear.
“The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” US Soccer said in a statement on its official Twitter account.
“Grant has made football his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing are no longer with us.”
US Soccer hailed Wahl’s passion and “belief in the power of play to advance human rights”, and shared condolences with Wahl’s wife, Celine Gounder, and those close to her.
Gounder reposted US Soccer’s statement on Twitter and wrote: “So grateful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family and so many friends who reached out tonight. I am completely in shock.
Wahl had covered football for more than two decades, including 11 World Cups, according to his website. He was a longtime writer for Sports Illustrated and wrote two sports books.
In an episode of the Futbol podcast with Grant Wahl, published a few days before his death on December 6, he complained of being unwell.
“It had gotten pretty bad in terms of tightness in my chest, tightness, pressure. Feeling quite hairy, bad. Wahl told co-host Chris Wittyngham in the episode. He added that he had sought help from the medical clinic at the World Cup media centre, believing he had bronchitis.
He was given cough syrup and ibuprofen and felt better soon after, he said.
Wahl also said he experienced an “involuntary surrender of my body and mind” after the Dutch-American game on December 3.
“It’s not my first rodeo. I did eight in the men’s,” he said at the time. “And so, I got sick to some degree every tournament, and it’s just about trying to find a way to love doing your job.”
He further described the incident in a recent newsletter published on December 5, writing that his body had “collapsed” after little sleep, high stress and a heavy workload. He had had a cold for 10 days, which “turned into something more serious”, he wrote, adding that he was feeling better after being given antibiotics and catching up on sleep.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said the department was in “close communication” with Wahl’s family.
Wahl’s death sent shockwaves through the football and sports journalism community, with many sharing tributes on social media.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the tragic passing of Grant Wahl,” said Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, adding that Wahl was “a kind and caring person”.
The National Women’s Soccer League also tweeted their condolences, saying “Wahl’s commitment to sharing the stories of our beautiful game was unparalleled, but more importantly, her integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness were central to how she live”.
Other journalists have also shared reporting stories alongside Wahl and met him at several World Cups over the years.
“Before he became the best roofer in football, he used to do hoops and was so nice to me,” famous broadcaster Dick Vitale wrote.
Wahl made headlines in November when he reported that he had been detained and briefly refused entry to a World Cup game because he wore a rainbow t-shirt in support of children’s rights. LGBTQ.
He said security personnel told him to change his shirt because “it’s not allowed” and took his phone. Wahl said he was released 25 minutes after being detained and received an apology from a FIFA representative and a senior member of the stadium security team.
Afterwards, Wahl told CNN he’ll “probably” wear the shirt again.
This is a developing story.
