Prominent US football writer Grant Wahl has died in Qatar while reporting on the World Cup, according to his brother.
The 48-year-old was covering Argentina’s chaotic win over the Netherlands to book a place in the semi-finals when he collapsed. He was rushed to hospital but passed away.
It comes after Wahl was detained for nearly half an hour ahead of the USA’s opening match of the tournament against Wales. Wahl was barred entry as security guards demanded he remove a shirt showing a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow.
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The veteran author and former Sports Illustrated reporter, highly regarded for his work in American soccer, was eventually let into the match after a harrowing ordeal where he claims he was verbally abused by security staff and had his phone ripped from his hand.
Wahl’s brother Eric announced the tragic news and stated he believes the journalist’s death was not accidental, but instead due to his support of the marginalised LGBTI community.
“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.”
Qatar’s human rights record – including extremely conservative laws on same-gender relationships – has come under significant scrutiny during the showpiece tournament.
Fans have routinely had rainbow-themed items confiscated at the tournament, despite FIFA and Qatar both promising fans would be allowed to express their beliefs at the World Cup.
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