Gianni Infantino expresses ‘disbelief and intense sadness’ at sudden death of journalist Grant Wahl

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has spoken of his “disbelief and intense sadness” after American sports journalist Grant Wahl died suddenly at the World Cup.

The 48-year-old American was working on the Netherlands vs Argentina quarterfinal in Doha on Friday when he collapsed in his seat and his brother suggested he was murdered.

And Infantino expressed his condolences in a official statementjust two weeks after Wahl was arrested before the group stage match between the USA and Wales for wearing a pro-gay rainbow flag shirt.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) has revealed his sadness after the death of Grant Wahl (R)

The American sportswriter (above) died while working on the World Cup on Friday.

He said: ‘It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I learned of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“Just a few days ago, FIFA and AIPS recognized Grant for her contribution to covering eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and her career has also included attending several FIFA Women’s World Cups, as well as a large number of other international sporting events.

“His love for soccer was immense and his reports will be missed by all who follow world soccer.

“On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Céline, their family and their friends at this very difficult time.”

Wahl, who first reported on the World Cup in his home country in 1994 and had reported on every tournament since then, was recently honored at a FIFA-AIPS event, where he received an award from the two-time World Cup winner. World Cup Ronaldo.

The news comes two weeks after Wahl was arrested for wearing a pro-gay rainbow flag T-shirt.

His agent, Tim Scanlan, told the New York Times that Wahl had become very distraught in the closing minutes of a quarterfinal game, which he was covering from the media box.

US media sitting near him said Wahl leaned back in his seat in the press box at the Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time and reporters next to him called for help. Emergency services workers responded very quickly, reporters said, and his colleagues were later told he had died.

Rafael Cores, a Univision journalist who was sitting next to Wahl at the game, wrote: ‘He was working on his story on his laptop, there were about 4 minutes left in extra time. He was laughing at a joke we saw on Twitter just a few minutes earlier. I can’t believe it. My deepest condolences to the Grant Wahl family.’

He was ‘healthy’ before collapsing during a game Friday, according to brother Eric in a instagram video you posted. Eric, who is gay, said through tears that he believes his brother may have been murdered.

He said: ‘I’m the reason he (Grant) wore the rainbow jersey at the world cup. I don’t think my brother died, I think he was killed.

Pictured: He was recently honored at a FIFA-AIPS journalists event, where he received an award from two-time World Cup winner and Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo Nazario (right).

Grant Wahl had spoken about feeling bad on an episode of his podcast, Futbol with Grant Wahl, recorded on Thursday.

He said on the podcast: ‘My body finally collapsed on me. Three weeks of little sleep, a lot of stress, and a lot of work can do that for you.

“What had been a cold for the past 10 days turned into something more severe the night of the USA vs. Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”

Wahl wrote that he tested negative for COVID-19 and sought treatment for his symptoms.

“Today I went to the medical clinic in the main media center and they told me that I probably had bronchitis. I’ve been given a course of antibiotics and strong cough syrup, and I’m already feeling a little better just a few hours later. But still: Not good,’ she wrote.