US soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies while covering Argentina-Netherlands match in Qatar

Grant had earlier alleged that he was denied entry at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyanto during the United States' opener against Wales for wearing a rainbow colour tee-shirt.

New Delhi:United States soccer journalist Grant Wahl who had earlier made it to the headlines for wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ community in the FIFA World Cup tournament, died while covering the Argentina-Netherlands Quarterfinals match in Doha early Saturday.

Wahl, 48, reportedly collapsed in the press box while covering the match. U.S. media seated near him said Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Iconic Stadium reserved for journalists during extra time of the game. Reporters adjacent to him called for assistance and emergency services were called in. The reporters were later told that Wahl had died. The soccer writer was covering his eight World Cup.

"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. "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," it stated.

Earlier on Monday Wahl wrote, "My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you." He further added, "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." He had tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.

"I went into the medical clinic at the main media center 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 wrote.

However, Wahl's brother, Eric Wahl in a video message posted on Instagram alleged Saturday morning that the Qatari government may have been involved in his death. "My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl's brother. I'm gay. 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."

Grant had earlier alleged that he was denied entry at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyanto during the United States' opener against Wales. He had said that the security personnel asked him to take off his rainbow shirt. His phone was also taken away when he tweeted about the incident, he said. Gay and lesbian sex is a criminal offense in Qatar.

Wahl is survived by his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder who is an associate professor at the New York University School of Medicine. "I'm in complete shock," she wrote.

Before covering sports Wahl had worked on a cover story about LeBron James in 2002. James was then a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Akron, Ohio. This week, Wahl wrote that he had been among 82 journalists honored by FIFA and the international sports press association AIPS for covering eight World Cups.

Wahl had graduated from Princeton in 1996. He then worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021. He was primarily known for his coverage of soccer and college basketball. (With Agency inputs)