UPDATE
6:59 PM PT — Grant Wahl‘s wife, Celine, just released a statement on his passing … saying, “I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight.”
CBS Sports journalist Grant Wahl — one of the most respected soccer reporters in the country — died while covering the World Cup, his brother announced Friday. He was 48 years old.
Grant was in Qatar when he passed … and Eric Wahl believes foul play was involved, as he claims the reporter was receiving death threats over wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Instagram / @eewahl
Eric says Grant had zero health issues … explaining in a heartbreaking Instagram video, “I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed.”
As we previously reported, Wahl was detained for nearly 30 minutes after World Cup security on Nov. 21 … after he showed up to Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar for the United States’ first tournament game against Wales.
To show his support for the LGBTQ+ community in a country where homosexuality is illegal, he wore a shirt with a soccer ball and a rainbow pattern.
At the time, Eric praised his brother and denounced soccer’s governing body … saying, “Shame on @FIFA for losing all control over this corrupt World Cup.”
Grant was live-tweeting the Argentina vs. Netherlands game just hours ago … with his last post coming at 1:05 PM PT.
12/9/22
Eric says he spoke with Grant’s wife, Celine, who says he collapsed at the stadium and was given CPR before being Ubered to a hospital, where he died.
Eric added Celine has spoken to Ron Klain, President Joe Biden‘s chief of staff, as well as the White House.
U.S. Soccer released a statement on Wahl’s passing … saying, “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.”
“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’s last article on his Substack focused on Qatari officials’ apathy toward the rash of migrant worker deaths surrounding the World Cup … saying, “They just don’t care.”
Originally Published — 6:35 PM PT
