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Grant Wahl, a prominent US soccer journalist who was outspoken in his opposition of Qatar hosting the World Cup, died Friday while covering the tournament in Doha. He was 48.
Wahl reportedly collapsed while covering the Argentina-Netherlands game and was taken to a hospital. It was unclear where he died.
His brother Eric Wahl suspected foul play, particularly in light of the fact that Grant Wahl was denied entry to the United States’ first game in Qatar vs. Wales on Nov. 21 as he was wearing a rainbow T-shirt.
The rainbow symbol represents support for the LGBTQ community, and homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
Grant Wahl changed shirts and was later allowed in.
Eric Wahl posted a video on Instagram on Friday in which he said, “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.”
Eric Wahl added that Wahl’s wife, infectious disease physician Celine R. Gounder, was in contact with the White House.
Gounder tweeted Friday night, “I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.”
Grant Wahl wrote Monday on his website, “My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you. 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. I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have…
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Source : france24
