Grant Wahl’s brother says he ‘no longer suspects foul play’ in soccer reporter’s death

The brother of Grant Wahl, the American soccer journalist who died while covering the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, no longer believes his sibling died of foul play. 

‘The family will release a statement as to cause of death soon,’ Eric Wahl wrote on Twitter. ‘I no longer suspect foul play. It was not (pulmonary embolism).’

Wahl, who had complained of respiratory problems earlier in the week and had been treated for a possible case of bronchitis, fell back in his seat in a section of Lusail Stadium reserved for journalists during extra time of Friday’s game. Adjacent reporters called for assistance and the 49-year-old was rushed to the hospital, but was declared deceased soon after. 

Much of the world learned of Wahl’s passing from his brother Eric, who claimed that Grant was killed for wearing a rainbow ‘pride’ t-shirt earlier in the tournament in violation of host country Qatar’s anti-gay laws: ‘I do not believe my brother just died, I believe he was killed.’ 

The brother of Grant Wahl (pictured), the American soccer journalist who died while covering the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, no longer believes his sibling died of foul play

Wahl’s body and possessions were repatriated to the United States on Monday after his death last week, the State Department said.

The department said Wahl’s remains and his belongings arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport around 8:30am. ET. They were accompanied by a consular official from the US Embassy in Doha who had had custody of Wahl’s remains since shortly after he collapsed during Friday’s match between Argentina and the Netherlands and later died.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the US had no reason to believe Wahl’s death was the result of foul play and praised Qatari authorities for fully cooperating with the embassy in arranging the repatriation.

‘We have seen no indication of foul play or anything nefarious at this point,’ Price told reporters in Washington.

FIFA released a statement on Wahl’s death on Tuesday. 

‘In light of inaccurate reporting following the tragic events at Lusail Stadium during Netherlands against Argentina, FIFA would like to confirm that, in line with medical protocols, and as per the report from Hamad Medial Corporation’s Ambulance Service in Qatar, a defibrillator was available with the first responding paramedic team and applied to the patient as part of their response.

‘In addition, it was confirmed that the patient was transferred to hospital by an emergency ambulance. Every effort was made by medical staff present to save his life. Our thoughts remain with the family of Grant Wahl.’