Grant Wahl, a senior reporter for the United States Soccer Federation, died after collapsing while covering the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The 48-year-old died during Argentina’s match against the Netherlands, according to reports. Wahl, on the other hand, was reported to have had a heart attack by the Wall Street Journal.
US Soccer Federation said in a statement “Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us. The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken.”
It is worth noting that Wahl made headlines when he was detained by security personnel in Qatar on November 21 after wearing a rainbow shirt to the match between the United States and Wales.
Days earlier, Wahl had written “My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress, and lots of work can do that to you. I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”
Through decades of vivid reporting at Sports Illustrated and then CBS Sports, the 48-year-old reporter was said to have helped build soccer’s popularity in the United States.
According to US media seated nearby, Wahl fell back in his seat during extra time of the game in a section of Lusail Iconic Stadium reserved for journalists, and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance.
According to the reporters, emergency personnel responded quickly, and they were later informed that Wahl had died.
“He received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital,” the World Cup organizing committee said in a statement, which did not list a cause of death.
“We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes.”
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