One of North America’s most influential soccer journalists, Grant Wahl, passed away while covering the match between Argentina and the Netherlands in Qatar on Friday.
According to information reported by the wall street journal, Wahl reportedly went into cardiac arrest during the game. The 48-year-old man, best known for his work at Sports Illustratedwrote on Monday that he had to go to the hospital because of what doctors identified as bronchitis.
“My body finally let me down. I had very little sleep, a lot of stress and work in the last three weeks, that’s what it can give, “he noted.
“What was a cold for the last 10 days finally became something much more severe on the night of the game between the United States and the Netherlands,” he continued. I could feel great pressure and discomfort in my chest. I didn’t have COVID-19 (we get tested a lot here), but I went to the media center medical clinic and they said I probably had bronchitis. »
Doctors had given him antibiotics and syrup. “I feel a little better a few hours later. But still badly. »
Wahl was on his eighth World Cup coverage. Since his arrival in Qatar, he has been very critical of the Qatari regime. At the very start of the World Cup, he was refused access to a stadium because he was wearing a jersey in the colors of the LGBTQ+ community.
The reactions are pouring in
As soon as the news of Wahl’s death was announced, reactions poured in on social media. In a video posted on Instagram which has since been deleted, his brother Eric Wahl mentioned that the journalist had been the target of death threats since his arrival in Qatar.
The American soccer association US Soccer was one of the first to issue a lengthy statement.
“The entire American soccer family is torn to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of high quality soccer and journalism knew we could always count on Grant to deliver interesting and entertaining stories about our game and its main protagonists. »
“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and his dedication to raising the profile of the sport across the sports landscape has been instrumental in increasing interest and respect for our wonderful game,” continued the association. Grant’s belief in the power of play to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all. »
MLS commissioner Don Garber also posted a message on his Twitter account.
“We are shocked, disappointed and sorry to learn of the tragic death of Grant Wahl, can we read. He was a kind and caring person whose passion for soccer and dedication to journalism was immeasurable. »