Grant Wahl death: US Soccer Federation thanks journalist for dedication and impact

#Argentina #celinegounder #Death

The US Soccer Federation in a statement said it was heartbroken by the news
Grant’s commitment to elevating soccer's profile across US played a major role to drive interest in the game
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, appreciated Wahl’s immense love for the game

Written By:Devanshu

Updated: December 10 2022 04:35:18 AM ET Doha, Qatar

Prominent football journalist Grant Wahl died in Qatar while covering the World Cup. He was reporting on Netherlands vs Argentina at the World Cup before collapsing during the match. Last month, Grant Wahl was detained from entering the Qatar stadium wearing a rainbow t-shirt supporting the LGBT community.

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The US Soccer Federation in a statement said it was “Heartbroken by the news. 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.”

U.S. Soccer Statement On The Passing Of Grant Wahl: pic.twitter.com/CBp1mCK1mQ

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 10, 2022

The federation said Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across Unites States’ sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.

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“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. US Soccer its sincerest condolences to Grant’s wife, DR Celine Gounder, and all of his family members, friends, and colleagues in the media. And we thanks 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,” the statement added.

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Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, appreciated Wahl’s immense love for the game and said that his reporting would be missed by everyone who follows the global tournament. Several UK Journalists have paid tribute to him as well. Wahl was in Qatar to cover his seventh FIFA World Cup. He was well known for his fervent passion for football.

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He celebrated his 48th birthday with friends in Qatar on Thursday, a day before he collapsed. On Monday, he wrote on his website that he had been unwell for the last 10 days and was on a course of antibiotics for suspected bronchitis.