- American sports journalist Grant Wahl died during the quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands in the World Cup.
- Several American reporters seated near him reported that Wahl collapsed into the media stand during overtime of the game.
- It was said that he could not be revived.
Wahl’s wife, Celine Gunder, wrote on Twitter that she was in complete shock. “The entire NFL family is saddened to learn of the loss of Grant Wahl,” the NFL said on its Twitter account.
The well-known sports journalist was the FIFA World Cup correspondent for the eighth time. According to the Associated Press, the 48-year-old wrote on Monday that he was in the hospital because his body had failed him. “Three weeks with little sleep, a lot of stress, and a lot of work can do that to you,” Wahl wrote. He didn’t have Covid.
He was told at the hospital that he might have bronchitis. “They gave me an antibiotic and a strong cough syrup and after a few hours I feel a little better. But still: not good.” Wahl had worked on Sports Illustrated and as a CBS anchor, among others.
He himself tweeted on Friday evening about the Dutchman’s 2-2 equalizer at Lusail Stadium in Doha: “A wonderful goal after a normal situation.” The Argentines finally won 4: 3 on penalties after an exciting match.
Wahl said he was detained by security forces 25 minutes before the preliminary round match between the USA and Wales on November 21 for wearing a rainbow T-shirt to show his support for the LGBTQI* community. LGBT is the English acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. Each letter represents a gender identity or sexual orientation. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and is punishable by up to seven years in prison.
“Creator. Troublemaker. Reader. Tv nerd. Proud beer advocate. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Introvert. Certified zombie practitioner. Thinker.”
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