An American sports journalist, Grant Wahl, has died in Qatar, where he was covering the FIFA World Cup.
According to ESPN, Wahl died while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
Reports reveal that Wahl fell back in his seat in the press box at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time and reporters adjacent to him called for assistance after suffering what medics at the scene called a cardiac arrest.
His death was confirmed by the U.S. Soccer Federation in a statement on social media.
Wahl had reportedly written on Monday on his website that he had visited a medical clinic while in Qatar.
Earlier during the World Cup, Wahl drew international attention after saying he was briefly stopped from attending the US match against Wales in November for wearing a rainbow-coloured T-shirt.
Grant, 48 is reputed for chronicling men’s and women’s soccer in the U.S. for more than two decades.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a statement saying Wahl’s “love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.”
“The entire U.S. Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” the federation said. “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.” a statement from US soccer federation said