US soccer journalist Grant Wahl died during the FIFA WC quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands in Qatar. Argentina faced the Netherlands in a high-profile knockout clash in Qatar.
49-year-old Grant Wahl was covering the game in Qatar when he reportedly died as emergency services tried to help him.
According to reports, Wahl was in attendance at the Lusail Iconic Stadium and fell back on his seat during the extra time. However, his family suspects foul play and is not convinced by the reports.
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Grant Wahl is a big name in the US soccer world. He has previously worked with Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports.
Wahl came to Qatar to cover the FIFA World Cup soccer games and came under the scanner of the authorities after wearing a rainbow t-shirt. In fact, Qatari officials arrested him in Qatar during a game.
However, his brother took to social media to react to the unfortunate incident and hinted at foul play involved. Wahl’s wife Celine Gounder also took to Twitter and revealed that she was in ‘complete shock’. US Soccer Federation and MLS have also released a statement on the unfortunate passing.
Soccer world mourns Grant Wahl’s shocking death during FIFA World Cup
The news of Grant Wahl comes as a shock to many. However, Wahl complained of his health problems a few days back on his social media.
“My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”
Following are some reactions to Wahl’s tragic death:
Absolutely bone chilling stuff
Soccer journalist Grant Wahl who was kicked out of a stadium in QATAR for this shirt has reportedly collapsed and passed away during the Argentina game today
His brother says on Instagram that Grant was fully healthy & believes there’s foul play pic.twitter.com/t47C2XfuVl
— JACK SETTLEMAN (@jacksettleman) December 10, 2022
I am totally lost for words right now. https://t.co/AJaUBitGnE
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) December 10, 2022
Our condolences to the family and friends of soccer journalist Grant Wahl 🙏 https://t.co/CUDOssbBfX
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) December 10, 2022
LAFC is shocked and saddened by the passing of legendary soccer journalist Grant Wahl. The global soccer community and journalism lost a giant. There was no one like him. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family.
— LAFC (@LAFC) December 10, 2022
The entire Union family mourns the shocking loss of Grant Wahl and sends our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.
The soccer community has lost a caring, passionate voice and a wonderful human being who dedicated much of his life to the sport we all love.
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) December 10, 2022
We are devasted by this news. Grant Wahl's contribution to the soccer community, especially women's soccer, cannot be measured. The beautiful game is better because of him. Grant will be incredibly missed. https://t.co/DGRP6U1wsy
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) December 10, 2022
The club is heartbroken at the loss of Grant Wahl, a dedicated journalist, storyteller and respected member of the soccer community.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 10, 2022
We are heartbroken with the news of Grant Wahl’s passing.
We are grateful for his support of Women’s soccer and Aurora from the beginning and the passion he had to grow the game. We send our condolences to his family, friends, & the soccer community during this difficult time.
— Minnesota Aurora FC (@MNAuroraFC) December 10, 2022
We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Grant Wahl. He was a respected and integral part of our soccer community and he will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences to Grant’s family and friends. https://t.co/zEjThQ3LjD
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) December 10, 2022
Our entire organization is heartbroken about the passing of Grant Wahl.
He championed soccer and covered it with passion. We loved working with him.
We extend our sincerest condolences to his friends, family and loved ones.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) December 10, 2022
I am shocked and saddened by the devastating news of Grant Wahl’s passing.
My most heartfelt condolences to his family. He was an incredibly kind person who will be missed.
Rest In Piece, my friend 🙏🏼
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) December 10, 2022
Club statement on the tragic passing of Grant Wahl pic.twitter.com/HUCTf4xChV
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 10, 2022
While social media is filled with prayers and mourning messages for Wahl, his brother Eric has something to say about his brother’s death. Eric has questioned his brother’s shocking death in Qatar through his Instagram.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay. I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for help,” Eric said in the video.
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Holy shit. This is going to be national news, Grant Wahls brother on Instagram believes he was murdered in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/QSS2bGqN2U
— billary (@iambillary) December 10, 2022
However, not much information is available on the unfortunate incident in Qatar. This was Wahl’s eighth World Cup in terms of coverage. He had visited a medical clinic last Monday for sickness and wasn’t feeling well.
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What do you think of Grant Wahl’s brother’s recent statements? Let us know in the comment section below.
