Grant Wahl, an American journalist, died while covering the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
He died while covering the quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Argentina in Doha on Friday.
According to his brother, Eric, Wahl was healthy prior to the game and is convinced that his late brother was murdered by Qataris after infuriating the Arab nation with his gay protest.
Eric in a video posted on his Instagram page revealed:
“I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the world cup. I do not believe my brother just died, I believe he was killed”.
Grant Wahl was detained two weeks ago for wearing a black t-shirt with a rainbow-colored circle wrapped around a soccer ball in support of the LGBTQ+ community, during USA’s clash with Wales.
Tim Scanlan, the late journalist’s agent, told the New York Times that Wahl collapsed in the final minutes of the quarterfinal match he was covering from the press tribune.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an official statement expressed his condolences. It read:
“It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, whilst 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 Céline, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time.”