An American sportscaster has died while covering the World Cup in Qatar, his family and US Soccer have said.
Grant Wahl, a former Sports Illustrated reporter who later moved to Substack, died while reporting the Argentina-Netherlands game, according to NPR.
US journalists sitting next to him said he fell on his chair during extra time, in a part of the stadium reserved for journalists.
They had called for assistance, and while 911 responded very quickly, they were later told that Mr Wahl – believed to be 49 – had died.
No further details about his death have been released.
His wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, thanked those who had “contacted each other tonight” but added on Twitter: “I am in complete shock.”
Last month Wahl said he was briefly arrested when he tried to enter a World Cup stadium in Qatar while wearing a rainbow jersey in support of the LGBTQ community.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.
Arrested for wearing the rainbow jersey
He said on Twitter that he was detained for 25 minutes for wearing his shirt, with security guards “forcing” his phone and asking him to take off his shirt before entering the stadium.
She said she declined.
Read more:
Muslim nations have proposed the World Cup armband to raise awareness of Islamophobia
England and Wales decide not to wear OneLove armband at World Cup after threat from FIFA
Mr Wahl also wrote on Monday that he visited a hospital in Qatar, saying: ‘My body finally broke down on me – three weeks of little sleep, lots of stress and lots of work can do that to you.
“What had been a cold for the past 10 days turned into something more serious the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest taking on a new level of pressure and discomfort.
“I didn’t have COVID (I get tested here regularly), but I went to the doctor’s office today at the main media center and they said I probably have bronchitis.
“They gave me a course of antibiotics and heavy cough syrup, and I already feel a little better just a few hours later. But still: no bueno.”
US ‘engaged with top Qatari officials’
US State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted on Friday: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Grant Wahl’s passing and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication.
“We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to ensure that his family’s wishes are met as quickly as possible.”
US Soccer said, “The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.
“Football enthusiasts and top-quality journalism knew we could always count on Grant to provide insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its key players: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities who make football unlike any other sport.
“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and a commitment to raising his profile in our sporting landscape have played an important role in helping to build interest in and respect for our beautiful game.
“Important as it is, Grant’s belief in the power of play to advance human rights has been, and will remain, an inspiration to all.
“Grant has made football his life’s work and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”
