Infantino mourns with "disbelief" the death of Grant Wahl

FIFA President expresses condolences to family and friends

MADRID, 10 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Grant Wahl, after hearing the news of the death of the American journalist while reporting during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Doha on Saturday.

"It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I learned of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl while reporting on a FIFA World Cup quarter-final match in Qatar," the FIFA president said.

"Just a few days ago, Grant was honored by FIFA and AIPS for her contribution to the coverage of eight consecutive FIFA World Cups. Her career has also included attending several FIFA Women's World Cups as well as like many other international sporting events. His love for soccer was immense and all who follow world sport will miss his reports," he added.

"On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we express our deepest condolences to his wife Céline and their family and friends at this very difficult time."

Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee of the tournament noted in another statement that they are in contact "with the Embassy of the United States and the relevant local authorities to ensure that the process of repatriation of the body conforms to the wishes of the family."

"Wahl fell ill in the press box at the Lusail Stadium, during last night's quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands. He immediately received emergency medical treatment on the spot, which continued while he was taken by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital," he says. the spokesperson for Qatar 2022.

Wahl, at 48, was one of the leading names in football journalism and for two decades was the top football writer for Sports Illustrated. His death is involved in controversy since, after the news broke, his brother denounced through Instagram that the journalist could have been murdered. Days before, Grant Wahl was approached by the Doha authorities for wearing a rainbow flag shirt in support of the LGTBI community.

"My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl's brother. I am gay," he stated in the video, according to the 'New York Post'. "I'm the reason he wore the rainbow jersey at the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I don't think my brother just died. I think he was killed. And I'm just asking for any help said his brother.