Grant Wahl, the famous football journalist, has died at the age of 49 in the World Cup in Qatar

The US Soccer Federation reported on Friday that famed soccer journalist Grant Wahl has passed away. Wahl, 49, was in Qatar covering events world Cup when he passed away.

Wall’s agent, Tim Scanlan, said the reporter “appeared to have experienced some sort of acute distress in the press room” at the stadium during Quarter-final match Between Argentina and the Netherlands, when both teams started to play in extra time. Paramedics were called to the scene, Scanlan said, but they were unable to resuscitate him.

Qatari officials said in a statement that Wal “received immediate medical treatment at the site and continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital.” The exact cause of death is not yet known.

Wall was Twitter During the match that was part of the eighth World Cup he covered.

“The entire American football family is saddened to learn that we have lost Grant Wall,” the NFL said he said in a statement Friday night. “Football fans and the press of the highest order knew that we could always count on Grant to provide insightful and entertaining stories about our game and its key heroes.”

Wahl talked about his health Spotify podcast Thursday, saying he contracted bronchitis while covering the World Cup.

“I’ve taken some time here by myself,” Wahl told listeners. “We had two days off here with no games. Seventeen straight days of games, and I think my body told me, even when the US came out, ‘Dude, you’re not sleeping enough,’ and rebelled against me. I had this case of bronchitis.” A week. I’ve been to the clinic med center twice now, including today. I feel better today. I’ve canceled everything on the Thursday I had, I’ve taken a nap, and I’m doing a little better. You can probably tell by my voice that I’m not doing 100 % over here. ”

Scanlan told CBS News that Wahl had a “heavy schedule” while in Qatar.

I asked, “Was it too much?” No, that’s what he lived for, and he loved the World Cup,” Scanlan said, referring to a conversation that took place on December 3, about a week before Wahl died. “He’s just been honored at his eighth World Cup. He was forty-eight years old yesterday. He was a famous chef and loved to entertain. Twenty good friends came to his apartment last night to celebrate.”

A prolific journalist, Wahl has written for several outlets and has been a contributor to CBS Sports. He was an analyst for CBS Sports HQ throughout the World Cup in Qatar, and wrote guest columns focused on the US Men’s National Team for CBS Sports. He was also an editorial consultant for Paramount+’s football documentaries.

Wahl was also married to Dr. Celine Gunder, a medical contributor to CBS News. Go under chirp She was “in complete shock” and thanked the Football Family, parents and friends for their support as the news broke.

Ned Price, a spokesman for the US State Department, said the agency is in contact with officials in Qatar.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Grant Wahl’s passing and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close contact,” Price said. chirp. He added, “We are communicating with senior Qatari officials to ensure that the wishes of his family are met as quickly as possible.”

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber chirp: “We are shocked, saddened and saddened by the tragic passing of Grant Wahl. He was a kind, caring person whose passion for football and dedication to journalism was immeasurable.”

before Saturday Quarter-final match Between England and France, FIFA paid tribute to Boal on the Al Bayt Stadium video screens.

“Through his work, Grant has shared his love of football with millions,” the stadium’s public address announcer said in a statement. “FIFA and the football world extend their deepest condolences to his wife, Celine, and his family and friends at this most difficult time.”

Flowers and Wahl’s photo were placed in the press seat reserved for him for the match, which was left empty.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story used an incorrect age for Grant Wahl and has updated it to correct his age.