Grant Wahl, an American sports journalist and outspoken critic of World Cup host Qatar’s anti-LGBT policies, has died unexpectedly at the age of 48.
Attending last night’s quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Argentina, Wahl reportedly collapsed as the game entered extra time and passed away after resuscitation attempts.
Wahl had earlier made international headlines for attempting to enter a Qatari stadium with a rainbow-colored t-shirt on November 21. “Just now: Security guards refusing to let me into the stadium for USA-Wales. ‘You have to change your shirt. It’s not allowed,'” Wahl tweeted at the time.
Wahl was one of several journalists and international observers critical of FIFA for picking Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup despite the country’s human rights record. In Qatar, homosexuality remains criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison.
Although Wahl had publicized that he was feeling unwell for “over the last 10 days” and was prescribed a course of antibiotics to combat fears of bronchitis, the timing of his death has led family members to publicly question whether foul play was involved.
Wahl’s brother, Eric shared a video explaining his thoughts.
“I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay. 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,” Eric shared on Instagram.
The news also prompted an official statement on behalf of the American national soccer team. “The entire U.S. soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” the national team wrote in a statement released Friday night. “Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all,” the team tweeted.
The day before his death Wahl had celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar.