Acclaimed US football reporter Grant Wahl has died while covering the Argentina and Netherlands World Cup match on Friday, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the global sports community.
Wahl, 48, died suddenly during the quarter-final tie at the Lusail Stadium, reports The Mirror. Witnesses claimed he fell back in his seat without warning as fellow journalists called for assistance.
However, Wahl's brother Eric has claimed Grant may have been killed after allegedly receiving death threats for wearing a rainbow flag t-shirt to a match earlier in the competition. Qatar has draconian laws against same-sex relationships, an issue that has caused consternation in a World Cup already marred by controversy.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is among those to have paid tribute, saying today: "It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
"Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women's World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events.
"His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game. On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we express our sincerest condolences to his wife Celine, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time."
Brother Eric, who is gay, issued an appeal for more information on Instagram. He is concerned Grant's death may be linked to his decision to wear a rainbow t-shirt at the USA-Wales match earlier in the tournament.
Writing on the social media platform, Eric said: "I am Grant Wahl's brother I am gay I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy, he told me he received death threats, I do not believe my brother just died, I believe he was killed and I just beg for any help."
In a statement, the US Soccer federation said: "The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game, and its major protagonists: Teams, players, coaches, and the many personalities that make soccer unlike any sport.
"Here in the United States, Grant's passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant's belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all.
"Grant made soccer his life's work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us. US Soccer sends its sincerest condolences to Grant's wife, Dr Celine Gounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media, and we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication to and impact on our game in the United States.
"His writing and the stories he told will live on."
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