Grant Wahl/Twitter
The entire soccer world was shaken late Friday eastern time when it became apparent that Grant Wahl had passed away. Wahl is one of the most famous soccer journalists anywhere in the world, and is undoubtedly the most well-known American soccer journalist.
Wahl had been outspoken about the Qatari government on their treatment of migrant workers, LGBTQ+ rights, and other things. He was told to change his shirt early in the tournament when he wore a rainbow shirt to a match.
Just now: Security guard refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. “You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed.” pic.twitter.com/TvSGThMYq8
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) November 21, 2022
The writer had reported recently on his podcast and in writing that he was not feeling well and had developed some sort of respiratory infection.
Naturally, there are rumors surrounding his death, with people wondering if foul play could be involved. Grant’s brother thinks that foul play is involved. That will not be known until proper medical authorities can perform an expected autopsy. But, new details are breaking early Saturday morning.
Eric Wahl, the brother of sportswriter Grant Wahl who died in Qatar while covering the World Cup, is asking for help.
Grant was detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt two weeks ago pic.twitter.com/lak0b1UZwa
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 10, 2022
The New York Times has published new details on the death of Grant Wahl
More facts are coming out by the minute in this case. The New York Times have updated their article to include more details and context.
HEre is some of that new information, courtesy of his agent.
Wahl’s agent, Tim Scanlan, confirmed the death in a phone interview on Friday night. Scanlan said that Wahl had been in the press box in the closing minutes of the match when he went into acute distress.
He is believed to have died, Scanlan said, at a hospital in Qatar or while he was being taken to one, after feeling unwell as the tournament proceeded.
“He wasn’t sleeping well, and I asked him if he tried melatonin or anything like,” Scanlan said. “He said, ‘I just need to like relax for a bit.’”
According to two New York Times journalists who were present, medical personnel performed chest compressions and other treatment for about 20 minutes before Wahl was taken out of Lusail Iconic Stadium.
What a horrifying scene for all involved. Thoughts go out to all who knew Grant, a colleague of all us in sports media, at this difficult time.