Qatar World Cup tragedy: U.S. journalist, Grant Wahl, dies covering match

A U.S. journalist, 49-year-old Grant Wahl, died on early Saturday while covering the 2022 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

The football Editor was said to have collapsed in the press box at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time.

Emergency services workers responded very quickly but fellow reporters were later informed Wahl had died.

Wahl wrote on his website on Monday that he had visited a medical clinic in Qatar.

“I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media centre today, and they said I probably have bronchitis.

“They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno,” he said.

Wahl drew international attention during the World Cup, after saying he was briefly stopped from attending the U.S. match against Wales on November 21 for wearing a rainbow-coloured T-shirt in support of those who identify as LGBTQIA+, as their rights are criminalized in Qatar, a conservative Muslim nation.

He was detained briefly at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan before he was released by a security commander. Wahl said FIFA apologized to him.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has paid tribute to the late Grant Wahl.

Wahl had written on Monday that he had visited a hospital in Qatar after feeling unwell, died suddenly while reporting on the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands at the Lusail Stadium, with witnesses claiming that he fell back in his seat as fellow reporters called for assistance.

Wahl’s brother Eric has claimed that Grant could have been killed after he had “received death threats” after he wore a rainbow flag t-shirt to a match earlier in the competition.

Infantino said: “It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events.

“His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.

“On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we express our sincerest condolences to his wife Celine, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time.”