Grant Wahl

Grant Wahl, a leading American sports reporter who died while covering the World Cup in Qatar, suffered a fatal rupture of the aorta. Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

“I believe he was killed” says sports writer and LGBTQ advocate’s brother

Grant Wahl who was detained for wearing a rainbow t-shirt at a soccer stadium in Qatar, has died after collapsing during a game on Friday.

Grant Wahl

Grant Wahl, a leading American sports reporter who died while covering the World Cup in Qatar, suffered a fatal rupture of the aorta. Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

US Sports writer and LGBTQ advocate Grant Wahl who a few weeks ago took to social media to talk about his ordeal being detained in Qatar, has died after collapsing in the press tribune during Friday’s Argentina-Netherlands game.

This comes weeks after an encounter with Qatar authorities for wearing a rainbow t-shirt at one of the World Cup stadiums in Qatar.

He reported that he was detained for nearly half an hour even though he later said he was ‘Ok’ but he described the event as an ‘unnecessary ordeal’.

The cause of his death is unclear but various reports say it might have been some type of ‘acute’ distress.

This all took place during the extra time of the game, Keir Radnedge, a columnist at World Soccer Magazine told CNN that:

“This was towards the end of extra time in the match. Suddenly, colleagues up to my left started shouting for medical assistance. Obviously, someone had collapsed. Because the chairs are freestanding, people were able to move the chairs, so it’s possible to create a little bit of space around him,”

His brother, Eric Wahl, reported that he “was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital”

ALSO READ: American journalist dies while covering the World Cup in Qatar

GRANT WAHL KILLED

In an Instagram video that has been shared all over social media, Grant Wahl’s brother, Eric Wahl has alleged that Grant was killed.

In the emotional video, he says that his brother wore the rainbow t-shirt because of him and that he identifies as gay. 

“I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.” 

Eric said they are still trying to find out more details about his brother’s sudden death.

Reports say that Grant Wahl had been struggling with bronchitis and a lack of sleep in recent days and had received medical attention in Qatar.

ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup: Rainbow-coloured clothing not allowed in Qatar stadiums

FIFA SENDS ITS CONDOLENCES

Gianni Infantino the President of FIFA sent a message of condolences to Grant’s family and friends on behalf of FIFA:

“On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we express our sincerest condolences to his wife Céline, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time.”

The message also recognised Grant’s contribution to the world of soccer:

“Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events. His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.”

ALSO READ: RIP: US journalist dies ‘suspiciously’ at World Cup