American journalist Grant Wahl dies at World Cup after receiving ‘loss of life threats’ over delight protest
American journalist Grant Wahl has died in Qatar whereas masking the World Cup.
The 48-year-old was masking Argentina’s 4-3 win over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout when he collapsed at Lusail Stadium. He was rushed to hospital however later died.
The information was introduced by his brother on Instagram and confirmed by the US Soccer Affiliation in an announcement on Twitter.
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Final month, Wahl detailed a daunting expertise on the event the place he was detained for 25 minutes for carrying a t-shirt with the delight colors on it.
Wahl had worn the t-shirt as he tried to look at Senegal tackle the Netherlands, however encountered some hassle when safety guards requested him to “change your shirt”, including that “it isn’t allowed”.
The guards’ instructions flew within the face of FIFA’s personal tips, which indicated that the delight flag could be welcome on the World Cup.
Wahl posted a tweet detailing his expertise earlier than his cellphone was “forcibly” grabbed from his arms by a guard.
Ultimately, Wahl was let go when a “safety commander” arrived on the scene, and he continued to put on the t-shirt in query whereas watching the US tackle Wales.
Wahl’s brother Eric introduced the information.
Pleading for help, Eric was of the opinion that Wahl’s loss of life was not unintentional, however as an alternative concerned foul play.
“My identify is Eric Wahl. I dwell in Seattle, Washington. I’m Grant Wahl’s brother. I am homosexual,” he mentioned in an Instagram video.
“I am the explanation he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was wholesome. He advised me he acquired loss of life threats. I don’t imagine my brother simply died. I imagine he was killed. And I simply beg for any assist.”
“We’re nonetheless looking for out,” Eric continued.
“He collapsed on the stadium, was given CPR, was taken by Uber to hospital and died in keeping with Celine (Grant’s spouse). We simply spoke with the state division and Celine has spoken to Ron Klain and the White Home.”
Since being awarded the World Cup internet hosting rights in 2010, Qatar has been closely criticised for its criminalisation of homosexuality.
Wahl this week revealed he was affected by bronchitis and had been to a medical centre on the media centre in Qatar twice in current days, however in a podcast launched on Friday mentioned he was “feeling higher”.
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