American sports journalist Grant Wahl dies in Qatar while covering the World Cup

MADRID,  10 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The American journalist Grant Wahl has died this Friday in Qatar while covering the quarterfinal match of the World Cup in which Argentina and the Netherlands faced each other, as reported by the United States Soccer Federation.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed at the moment, however his brother has denounced through Instagram that the football journalist could have been murdered since days before he was approached by the Doha authorities for wearing a shirt with the rainbow flag 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 am the reason why he wore the rainbow jersey in 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 just ask for any help ".

Apparently, Wahl collapsed during the game where he underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers, after which he was transferred to a hospital. However, it is unknown if the journalist died during the journey or once he had arrived at the medical center.

According to the same US media, Wahl had mentioned in an episode of his podcast that his body was warning him that he "was not sleeping well" and in the last week he had had bronchitis and had visited the medical clinic for the media twice. However, this Thursday he had claimed to feel better after resting.

The journalist was married to Céline R. Gounder, a doctor specializing in infectious diseases who was part of Biden's coronavirus advisory. Celine has already talked with the White House, as reported by the brother of the deceased.

Wahl, at 48, was one of the leading names in journalism that covers football and for two decades he positioned himself as the main writer of this sport in Sports Illustrated, until 2020 when he started writing for a portal with a subscription to payment.

One of Wahl's latest posts on this website dealt with the death of a migrant worker in Qatar during the World Cup and the indifferent reaction of local authorities, as reported by DPA.

The Football Federation of the North American country has transmitted that it is "heartbroken" for having lost this professional. "We thank Grant for his tremendous dedication and impact on our game in the United States. His writing and the stories he told will live on," they wrote in the statement posted on Twitter.