American journalist Grant Wahl dies at World Cup after receiving ‘death threats’ over pride protest
American journalist Grant Wahl has died in Qatar while covering the World Cup.
The 48-year-old was covering Argentina’s 4-3 win over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout when he collapsed at Lusail Stadium. He was rushed to hospital but later died.
The news was announced by his brother on Instagram and confirmed by the US Soccer Association in a statement on Twitter.
Last month, Wahl detailed a frightening experience at the tournament where he was detained for 25 minutes for wearing a t-shirt with the pride colours on it.
Wahl had worn the t-shirt as he attempted to watch Senegal take on the Netherlands, but encountered some trouble when security guards asked him to “change your shirt”, adding that “it’s not allowed”.
The guards’ commands flew in the face of FIFA’s own guidelines, which indicated that the pride flag would be welcome at the World Cup.
Wahl posted a tweet detailing his experience before his phone was “forcibly” grabbed from his hands by a guard.
Eventually, Wahl was let go when a “security commander” arrived on the scene, and he continued to wear the t-shirt in question while watching the United States take on Wales.
Wahl’s brother Eric announced the news, revealing he believes Wahl’s death was not accidental, but instead involved foul play.
“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said in an Instagram video.
“I’m 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.”
“We’re still trying to find out,” Eric continued.
“He collapsed at the stadium, was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital and died according to Celine (Grant’s wife). We just spoke with the state department and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White House.”
Since being awarded the World Cup hosting rights in 2010, Qatar has been heavily criticised for its criminalisation of homosexuality.
Wahl this week revealed he was suffering from bronchitis in recent days and had been to a medical centre at the media centre in Qatar twice in recent days, but in a podcast released on Friday said he was “feeling better today”.
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