Grant Wahl, an American columnist, passed away while covering the quarterfinal World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands in Qatar.
The 48-year-old was present at the quarterfinal on Saturday night at the Lusail Stadium. According to some sources, he experienced a medical issue during the extra period of the game and needed CPR.
Tim Scanlan, his agent, told Reuters that Wahl had had some sort of “acute distress,” though the precise cause of his demise is yet unknown.
“The whole US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” US Soccer said in a statement.
Dr. Celine Gounder, Wahl’s wife, stated on Twitter: “I am so thankful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.”
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, released the following statement: “It is with disbelief and profound regret that I have learned of the passing of renowned sports writer Grant Wahl, who was covering a quarterfinal game of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Grant Wahl illness: What disease did Grant Wahl have?
Wahl said on his podcast on Thursday that he had bronchitis and had returned to the doctor. He remarked, “I pretty much-canceled everything on this Thursday that I had, and napped and I’m doing marginally better that you probably can feel in my voice that I’m not at it at 100% here.” We wish the family and loved ones in this trying time.
