American soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies at Qatar World Cup. Here’s what we know
Prominent American soccer journalist Grant Wahl died suddenly in Qatar while covering Friday’s World Cup game between the Netherlands and Argentina.
Wahl, who grew up in Mission, Kansas, was perhaps the most well-known soccer writer in the United States.
Wahl also had a presence on television, working for Fox Sports and CBS Sports and had his own Substack newsletter, GrantWahl.com. He also was the author of the 2009 New York Times bestseller “The Beckham Experiment,” that chronicled the impact of David Beckham’s move to the MLS’ LA Galaxy.
He celebrated his 48th birthday on Wednesday, tweeting while there were no games he was happy to be with friends and colleagues.
Who is Grant Wahl?
If you are a fan of soccer, you know Grant Wahl. If you aren’t, you may still have heard of his award-winning journalism.
He spent 24 years with Sports Illustrated, joining the magazine after he graduated from Princeton in 1996, where he wrote about soccer and college basketball, most prominently. But his career at SI ended in 2020 after he was fired by the magazine’s publisher, Maven, after a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic.
How did Grant Wahl die?
U.S. media seated near him said Wahl fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Iconic Stadium reserved for journalists during extra time of the game between Argentina and the Netherlands, and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance. Emergency services workers responded very quickly, the reporters said, and the reporters later were told that Wahl had died.
The Times, a British newspaper, reported there was no defibrillator on site.
“He received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance Hamad General Hospital,” the World Cup organizing committee said in a statement, which did not list a cause of death. “We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes.”
Wahl had written that he had not being feeling well in the days preceding his death, saying in part: “I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.” He sought medical attention, for what he was told was probably bronchitis and received antibiotics.
Why was Grant Wahl detained in Qatar?
Wahl said he was detained in Qatar for “nearly half an hour” ahead of the USMNT-Wales match Nov. 21 for wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Qatar’s laws against, and treatment of, LGBTQ people were flashpoints in the run-up to the first World Cup in the Middle East. Qatar has said everyone is welcome, including LGBTQ fans, but that visitors should respect the nation’s culture.
“Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales,” Wahl tweeted. “‘You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.'”
Wahl said FIFA apologized to him.
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Who is his wife, Dr. Céline Gounder?
Wahl met his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, at Princeton University and the couple married in 2001.
Gounder is an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at New York University. She served on the Biden-Harris Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board.
“I’m in complete shock,” she wrote in confirming news of Wahl’s death.
What is the Biden administration doing to help?
A U.S. government official said that they have been in contact with senior Qatari officials and are going to make sure that the Wahl family’s wishes are adhered to as fully and quickly as possible.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication,” Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said.
What did FIFA say?
“It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, whilst reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
“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. 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.”