Journalist barred in Qatar for wearing LGBTQIA+ shirt dies after feeling sick in game

the sports journalist Grant Wahlwho covered the World Cup in Qatar, died on Friday, the 9th, at the age of 47.

Grant died after becoming ill in the stands at the Lusail stadium during the match between the Netherlands and Argentina, in the quarterfinals.

The information was confirmed by NPR, the radio for which the American worked, by the United States soccer federation and by his own family members.

“He was not sleeping well. He even went so far as to say, “I just need to relax a little bit”told the communicator’s agent, Tim Scanlan, to The New York Times.

He also reported that the professional felt bad in the last few days, but tested negative for Covid-19. It is not yet known whether Grant died on the way to a hospital or already in the unit.

On social networks, the Brazilian journalist Francis De Laurentiis revealed that he saw “the scene happens” by his side, when the match was in overtime.

During his work at the World Cup in Qatar, Grant was barred for wearing a rainbow shirt, as one of the LGBTQIA+ symbols.

See the statement released by the United States Soccer Federation:

All of USA Soccer are heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl. Fans of the highest quality football and journalism knew we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its key players: teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make football unlike any sport.

Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to raising its profile in our sporting scene has played a major role in helping to increase interest in and respect for our beautiful game. Just as important was Grant’s belief in the power of gambling to promote human rights. That was and will continue to be an inspiration to everyone.

Grant has made football his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be on USA Football, who sends his most sincere condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, and all of her family, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant for his tremendous dedication and impact on our US game. His writing and the stories he told will live on.