Grant Wahl dies after collapsing at Qatar World Cup

Veteran soccer sportscaster Grant Wahl passed on Friday while covering the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

As the game drew to a close, Paramedics responded to the seating area he was in and performed CPR. After several minutes, he was carried away on a stretcher while I used an automatic chest compressor to continue CPR.

American media who were sitting next to him said that Wahl fell from his seat in the section of the famous Lusail Stadium reserved for journalists during the extra time of the game, and the reporters next to him called for help. Emergency crews responded quickly, the report said, and reporters later learned that Wahl had died.

Wahl's wife and brother declared his death. He was 48 years old.

Wahl was barred from entering a World Cup stadium in Qatar Doha. Because of a jersey.

Right Now: The security guard refuses to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. You have to change your shirt. Not allowed.

Wahl said he was shifted away by a stadium security guard: You have to change your shirt. It's not allowed. Wahl said he was briefly detained. Qatar has been a controversial host country since clinching the tournament in 2010.

His human rights history has been heavily criticized. And, since the tournament kicked off last month, the Persian Gulf country's rules banning same-sex relationships have been in the spotlight. It is prohibited in Qatar and punishable by jail time.

When several European team captains said they would wear special rainbow armbands, FIFA cracked down, threatening players with yellow cards. Wahl had been critical of the FIFA cup and Qatar during the tournament. In an interview, Wahl said his brother didn't hesitate to point out the World Cup controversy.

He was very critical of FIFA, which is nothing new for him, and very critical of the way the Qataris have run matches.

Eric Wahl said his brother had received death threats while in Qatar over the rainbow jersey and his constant reporting on FIFA and the Qatari government. WE. Football noted Wahl's death in a tweet and said the organization was heartbroken.

His passion for football and commitment to raising his profile in our sporting landscape has played a significant role in helping to generate interest and respect for our beautiful game.

Wahl was a longtime sportswriter at Sports Illustrated, traveling the world and covering soccer events such as the World Cup, Women's World Cup, and European tournaments. Wahl and the magazine split in 2020 and he branched out on his own. He also occurred regularly on Fox Sports and CBS Sports as a commentator. Wahl fell ill while on a mission in Qatar. Wahl wrote on Monday that he had visited a medical clinic and the staff accepted he had bronchitis.

My body finally collapsed on me, Wahl wrote. Three weeks of little sleep, lots of stress, and lots of work can do this. What had been cold for the past 10 days turned into something more serious the night of the USA vs Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest taking on a new level of tension and distress.

Wahl's death sent shockwaves through the football and sports journalism society, with many sharing tributes on social media.

Many journalists have covered Wahl's side and met him at several World Cups over the years.

Just a few days ago, FIFA and AIPS (International Sports Press Association) recognized Grant for his contribution to the coverage of eight consecutive World Cups, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. advertising.