Reporters sitting near Grant Wall said he fell back into his chair and died despite the efforts of emergency services
American sports journalist Grant Wall has died covering the World Cup in Qatar, his family and US Soccer say.
Mr Wahl, a former Sports Illustrated journalist who later joined Substack, died while covering the match between Argentina and the Netherlands, according to NPR.
The American journalist sitting next to him said he collapsed in his seat during extra time in the area of ​​the stadium reserved for journalists.
They called for help and although emergency services responded very quickly, they were later informed that Wahl – believed to be 49 years old – had died.
No further details were released about his death.
His wife, dr. Celine Gunder thanked those who “got in touch tonight” but added on Twitter: “I’m so shocked.”
Martin Tyler of Sky Sports on Sky Sports News:
“I went down and then they told me there was a problem maybe about 10 rows past my slot.
“Just this morning I realized that Grant who I know and respect and have some sort of relationship with because he has everyone’s contact numbers in his contact book.
“He has been a great champion for the world game and the game we love.
“It’s a big loss on that front, but it’s a big personal loss and I extend my condolences to his family and friends.
“I really can’t believe it happened to someone so young.
Arrested for wearing rainbow clothes
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Wall said last month he was briefly arrested trying to enter a World Cup stadium in Qatar while wearing a rainbow T-shirt in support of the LGBTQ community.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.
He said on Twitter he was detained for 25 minutes for wearing the shirt, with security “forcefully” taking his phone and ordering him to remove the shirt before entering the stadium.
She said she refused.
Mr Wall also wrote on Monday that he had visited a hospital in Qatar and said: “My body is finally breaking down – three weeks of sleep deprivation, high stress and lots of work can do that for you.
“A cold for the past 10 days turned into something more serious on the eve of the US-Netherlands game and I felt a new level of pressure and discomfort in my upper chest.
“I don’t have COVID (I get tested regularly here) but today I went to the clinic in a major media center and they said I might have bronchitis.
“They gave me antibiotics and strong cough syrup and a few hours later I was feeling a little better. But still: no riots.”
US ‘engaged with senior Qatari officials’
US State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted late Friday: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Grant Wall’s death and extend our condolences to his family, with whom we have had a close relationship.
“We are working closely with senior Qatari officials to ensure his family’s wishes are met as quickly as possible.”
US Soccer said: “The entire US soccer family is saddened to learn that we have lost Grant Wall.
“Football fans and high-profile journalism know that we can always count on Grant to tell insightful and entertaining stories about our football and its key players: the teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer different from all other sports.
“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to raising his profile in our sporting landscape have played a critical role in increasing interest in and respect for our beautiful sport.”
“Equally important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights has been and continues to be an inspiration to all.
“Grant has made football his life’s work and we are devastated that he and his brilliant lyrics will no longer be with us.”
A spokesman for the Supreme Committee on Supply and Inheritance (SC) said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of American journalist Grant Wall.
“Grant is known for his great love of football and is in Qatar covering his eighth FIFA World Cup.
“He fell ill in the media stands at the Lusail Stadium during last night’s quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
“He immediately received emergency medical treatment at the scene, which continued until he was taken to Hamad General Hospital by ambulance.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Grant family, friends and many close associates in the media.
Tributes pour in for Grant Wahl
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