Legendary US football writer Grant Wahl has died in Qatar while reporting on the World Cup.
The veteran reporter was covering Argentina’s chaotic quarter-final win over the Netherlands when he collapsed. He was rushed to hospital but passed away, two days after his 48th birthday. The news was announced by his brother and confirmed by the US Soccer Association and NPR.
It comes after Wahl was detained for nearly half an hour ahead of the USA’s opening match of the tournament against Wales. Wahl was barred entry as security guards demanded he remove a shirt showing a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow.
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The renowned author and former Sports Illustrated reporter, highly regarded for his work in American soccer, was eventually let into the match after a harrowing ordeal where he claims he was verbally abused by security staff and had his phone ripped from his hand.
Wahl’s brother Eric announced the tragic news and stated he believes the journalist’s death was not accidental, but instead due to his support of the marginalised LGBTI community.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in an Instagram video.
“I’m 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 any help.”
“We’re still trying to find out,” Eric continued. “He collapsed at the stadium, was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital and died according to Celine (Grant’s wife). We just spoke with the state department and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White House.”
Qatar’s human rights record – including extremely conservative laws on same-gender relationships – has come under significant scrutiny during the showpiece tournament.
Fans have routinely had rainbow-themed items confiscated at the tournament, despite FIFA and Qatar both promising fans would be allowed to express their beliefs at the World Cup.\
Wahl had repeatedly critiqued World Cup organisers for the thousands of deaths and ongoing mistreatment of migrant workers to build the infrastructure for the tournament.
In a recent article, he wrote: “They just don’t care. Qatari World Cup organisers don’t even hide their apathy over migrant worker deaths, including the most recent one.”
Wahl this week revealed he had struggled with bronchitis and a lack of sleep in recent days and had been to a medical centre at the media centre in Qatar twice in recent days, but said in a podcast released yesterday: “I’m feeling better today.”
Wahl was a best-selling author of a book on David Beckham; once attempted to run for the Presidency of FIFA in an attempt to end corruption and sexism in the organisation; and was a guiding light in the development of football in America.
But Wahl’s work extended well beyond the football world. In 2002, his article on high schooler LeBron James hit the front cover of Sports Illustrated with the title ‘The Chosen One’ – a story that rocketed the young basketballer toward stardom.
“The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” U.S. Soccer said in a statement.
“Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: Teams, players, coaches, and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport. Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.
“As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.
“U.S. soccer send its sincerest condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Grounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication to and impact on out game in the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on.”
