An American journalist died on Friday December 9 in Doha, in the middle of a match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
According to American radio NPR, Grant Wahl collapsed in the press box as the match drew to a close.
Medical personnel practiced first aid before carrying her away on a stretcher.
The 48-year-old sports journalist, well known across the Atlantic, had worked for the famous magazine Sports Illustrated as a football specialist before joining the CBS Sports channel in 2021.
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His wife, Céline Gounder, a recognized specialist in infectious diseases, who appeared on television several times during the Covid-19 pandemic, said she was "
completely in shock
" on Twitter.
State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted shortly afterwards: "
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl
," adding that US authorities were "
in close communication
" with his family.
"
We are in contact with senior Qatari officials to ensure that his family's wishes are granted as quickly as possible
."
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A few days before collapsing, on November 21, Grant Wahl was arrested by Qatari security while wearing a rainbow-coloured T-shirt during the match between the United States and the Country of Wales, to support LGBT+ rights.
Wearing an LGBT T-shirt, the journalist had been approached by Qatari security before being removed from the match.
GRANT WAHL VIA TWITTER / REUTERS
Health problems
The journalist had told subscribers to his internet newsletter a few days ago that he had gone to a clinic in the media center in Qatar "
and they said I probably had bronchitis
".
“
My body finally gave up on me.
Three weeks with little sleep, lots of stress and work can have that effect on you.
I could feel my upper chest bearing a new level of pressure and discomfort.
He said that taking antibiotics and “
strong cough syrup
” had “
made him feel a little better after a few hours.
But it is always: No bueno
”.
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“
Grant had made football his life's work and we are devastated that he and his brilliant pen are no longer with us
,” the Federation wrote in a statement, noting that “
the entire football family in the United States ( was) heartbroken
” by his passing.
The announcement of his death sparked many reactions around the world.
“
Fans of the highest quality football and journalism knew Grant could be counted on to deliver insightful and thrilling stories about the sport and its greatest protagonists: teams, players, coaches and all those people who make football a sport apart
, ”said US Soccer.
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