The World football governing body, FIFA, on Saturday night, December 10, paid tribute to sports writer Grant Wahl, who collapsed and died while covering Argentina versus Netherlands quarter-final clash at the Lusail Stadium.
Prior to the start of the match, a picture of the journalist who covered eight FIFA World Cup editions was also displayed on the television screens placed strategically on the two corners of the stadium.
Thousands of fans in attendance applauded the fallen journalist when his name was mentioned.
In addition, FIFA officials paid tribute to the famous American journalist by placing a framed photograph of him on his desk that he would have used to cover France versus England match.
A small bunch of white lilies was also placed on the media seat that had been specifically assigned to Wahl.
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“Tonight we pay tribute to Grant Wahl at his assigned seat in Al Bayt Stadium.
“He should have been here. Our thoughts remain with his wife Celine, his family and his friends at this most difficult time,” a statement from FIFA read.
Grant celebrated his birthday on Thursday, December 8, and passed away on Saturday morning.
He felt unwell during the dramatic match and was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Wahl worked for a number of top American media outlets including CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated as a senior writer.
He was also a correspondent for Fox Sports and authored a book titled “The Beckham Experiment”.
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