Legendary US football writer Grant Wahl has died in Qatar while reporting on the World Cup, with his brother Eric Wahl claiming he ‘I think he was killed’ after a protest in support of the LGBTI community marginalized
The veteran journalist was covering Argentina’s chaotic quarter-final win over the Netherlands when he collapsed. He was rushed to hospital but died 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 before the USA’s tournament opener against Wales. Wahl was denied entry after security guards demanded he remove a T-shirt showing a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow.
‘CAN’T USE THIS REF’: Messi sues FIFA after ugly World Cup clash
‘S***HOUSERY’: World Cup mayhem summed up in cruel picture
The acclaimed author and former Sports Illustrated reporter, widely regarded for his work on American football, was finally allowed into the game after a harrowing ordeal in which he claims he was verbally abused by security staff and had his shirt ripped off. hand phone
Wahl’s brother, Eric, announced the tragic news in a heartbreaking video where he said he believes the journalist’s death was no accident.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I’m Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in an Instagram video.
“I’m the reason why he wore the rainbow jersey to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I don’t think my brother just died. I think they killed him. And I’m just asking for any help.”
“We’re still trying to figure it out,” Eric continued. “He collapsed in the stadium, they gave him CPR, he was taken by Uber to the hospital and he died according to Celine (Grant’s wife). We just spoke to the state department and Celine has spoken with Ron Klain and the White House.”
Qatar’s human rights record, including extremely conservative laws on same-sex relationships, has come under significant scrutiny during the showpiece tournament.
Fans have routinely received rainbow-themed items at the tournament, despite FIFA and Qatar both promising fans could express their beliefs at the World Cup.
Wahl had repeatedly criticized World Cup organizers for the thousands of deaths and ongoing mistreatment of migrant workers to build infrastructure for the tournament.
In a recent article, he wrote: “They just don’t care. Qatar’s World Cup organizers are not even hiding their apathy over the deaths of migrant workers, including the most recent one.”
Wahl revealed this week that he had struggled with bronchitis and lack of sleep in recent days and had been to a medical center in the Qatar media center twice in recent days, but said in a podcast published yesterday: “Today I feel better.”
Wahl was a best-selling author of a book about David Beckham; once tried to run for FIFA presidency in a bid to end corruption and sexism in the organization; and was a guiding light in the development of football in America.
But Wahl’s work extended far beyond the world of football. In 2002, his article about high school student LeBron James made the cover of Sports Illustrated under the title “The Chosen One,” a story that propelled the young basketball player to stardom.
“The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” US Soccer said in a statement.
“As football fans and top-quality journalism, we knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its key players: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make football what it is. unlike any other sport.Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to raising its profile in our sports landscape played an important role in helping to generate interest and respect for our beautiful game.
“Just as importantly, Grant’s belief in the power of play to advance human rights was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all. Grant made football his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing are no longer with us.
“US Soccer sends its deepest condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Grounder, and all of his family, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication and impact on the game outside of the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on.”