Grant Wahl, a respected sports journalist who publicly criticized World Cup host Qatar’s repressive anti-gay policies and brutal treatment of migrant workers, died suddenly on Friday while covering a World Cup match. He was 48 years old.
Wahl covered 11 World Cups during his career, wrote two books about soccer, and worked exclusively for Sports Illustrated. He also served as a producer on the three-part Amazon Prime football documentary “Good Rivals”.
“I am so grateful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s football family and so many friends who have reached out tonight. I am in complete shock. Wahl’s wife, Celine Gunder, said after the news became public.
Wahl made headlines on 21 November when he was denied entry to a World Cup match because he was wearing a rainbow shirt. To protest the country’s repressive policies against the LGBT community, When he tweeted about the incident, he said “a guard forcibly snatched my phone out of my hands.” He was detained for about 30 minutes; FIFA later apologised.
In an emotional video posted to Instagram after the announcement of Wahl’s death, Grant Wahl’s brother, Eric Wahl, who is gay, said, “I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt at the World Cup. He was healthy.” . She told me she received death threats. I can’t believe my brother is dead now. I believe he was. And I just beg for any help.
And just a day before his death, he exposed World Cup organisers’ indifference to the plight of migrants, Tweet, “they do not care. The organizers of the Qatari World Cup have not hidden their sadness at the recent death of migrant workers.
one in comment on post, which has since been removed, Eric Wahl wrote, “”We’re still trying to figure out.” He collapsed in the stadium, was given CPR, taken by Uber to the hospital and died, according to Celine. We’ve just spoken to the State Department and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White House.”
“It’s really important to me and it’s not required by any stretch of the imagination,” Wahl said of the protest, adding, “I have family members who are gay.” I have friends who are gay. I have journalist friends who are gay who are here in Qatar. But you don’t need it to be an ally.
The US Men’s Soccer Team organization said in a statement: “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. As fans of the highest quality soccer and journalism we know we will always be passionate about our sport.” One can count on Grant to deliver insightful and gripping stories … Grant has made football his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”