The world sports press is in shock following Grant Wahlone of the most distinguished football (soccer) journalists in the US, died in full coverage of the match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
According to his colleagues, Wahl, 49, was in the press area of the Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time when he suddenly collapsed in his chair. The professional received immediate medical assistance at the venue, however, the emergency services might not do anything to save his life, reports the sports channel ESPN.
In its official Web site (paid), the journalist had commented on Monday that he was in poor health to the point of visiting a clinic in Qatar.
“I think my body finally collapsed. Three weeks of too little sleep, too much stress and too much work can leave you like this. What had been a cold for the last 10 days turned into something more serious during the night of the USA game once morest the Netherlands, and I feel like my chest reached a new level of pressure and discomfort,” she stated.
“I do not have covid (I take tests regularly), but I went to the medical point in the press center and they told me that I probably have bronchitis. They gave me antibiotics and some pretty strong cough syrup, so I’m already feeling a little better a few hours later. However, it is still not a good picture, ”she concluded.
The United States Soccer Association posted a heartfelt message on Twitter expressing his condolences on Wahl’s death:
“The entire American soccer (football) family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. […] Grant made football his life, and we are devastated to learn that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”
U.S. Soccer Statement On The Passing Of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022
The official MLS league also issued a statement with your condolences.
While his wife, Dr. Celine Gounderthanked the support of the association and those who contacted her to express their solidarity, in addition to declaring herself in “absolute shock” by the news.
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. https://t.co/OB3IzOxGlE
— Céline Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA ???????? (@celinegounder) December 10, 2022
Controversy over his support for the LGBT cause
Although his role was to cover sports news, Wahl had made his own headlines when he clashed with security guards during the Wales vs. United States match on November 21, who detained him for 25 minutes for wearing a multicolored flag shirt. of the LGBT cause.
According to the journalist, he was later released by stadium security chief Ahmed Bin Ali, and FIFA formally apologized to him for the incident.
Qatar has strict rules once morest homosexuality, a situation that has provoked multiple criticisms from participants and attendees at the World Cup.
