U.S. journalist Grant Wahl collapsed and died Friday in Qatar while covering the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
CBS News reported that Wahl “suffered a heart attack” while in the press box of Lusail Stadium in Doha.
“The entire U.S. Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” U.S. Soccer said in a statement. “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,” the statement continued. “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. U.S. Soccer sends its sincerest condolences to Grant’s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media,” the statement concluded. “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.”
This is a breaking news story; refresh the page for updates.
