The stunning death of American soccer journalist Grant Wahl in Qatar on Friday led FOX Sports’ coverage of the 2022 World Cup when the broadcast resumed Saturday morning in the United States.
Wahl, who previously worked at the network for several years, was remembered at the start of FOX’s pregame coverage ahead of a quarterfinal matchup between Portugal and Morocco. A clearly shaken Rob Stone welcomed viewers into FOX Sports’ studio on location in Doha, Qatar by announcing the news to its viewers.
Wahl, 48, reportedly collapsed in the media tribune while covering Friday’s quarterfinal between Argentina and Netherlands. He was taken out of Lusail Iconic Stadium on a stretcher by medical responders and transported to a local hospital. An official cause of death has not been disclosed.
Grant Wahl was a dedicated colleague and friend to so many at FOX Sports.
We remain shocked and saddened by his passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his wife, family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/PmWVdftKZl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 10, 2022
Wahl’s coverage of the tournament was among the most prominent. He had been critical of human rights abuses and the rising death toll of migrant workers in Qatar due to the World Cup. He was previously detained for wearing a t-shirt supporting LGBTQ rights ahead of the United States’ tournament-opener against Wales and most recently called out the organizing committee for a lack of empathy over the latest migrant worker death during group play.
United States Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said American officials are in touch with both Wahl’s family and Qatari officials.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication. We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) December 10, 2022
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