Respected American journalist Grant Wahl has been confirmed as having died in Qatar last night. The 48-year-old was reporting on Netherlands vs Argentina at the World Cup before collapsing during the match.
A statement from the US Soccer Federation reads: "The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.
"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.
"Here in the United States, Grant's passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.
"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."
Grounder, his wife, also tweeted: "I am so thankful for the support of my husband, Grant Wahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight. I'm in complete shock."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino added, "It is with disbelief and immense sadness that I have been made aware of the passing of renowned sports journalist Grant Wahl, while reporting on a quarter-final match during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
"Only some days ago, Grant was recognised by FIFA and AIPS for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, and his career also included attendance at several FIFA Women's World Cups, as well as a host of other international sporting events.
"His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.
"On behalf of FIFA and the football community, we express our sincerest condolences to his wife Celine, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time."
A spokesperson for the Qatari body responsible for planning the tournament said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of the US journalist Grant Wahl.
"Grant was known for his enormous love of football and was in Qatar to cover his eighth Fifa World Cup.
"He fell ill in the Lusail Stadium media tribune, during last night's quarter-final match between Argentina v Netherlands. He received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital.
"We are in touch with the US Embassy and relevant local authorities to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family's wishes."
