Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, sent his sympathies to Grant Wahl’s friends and family after learning of the American journalist’s passing on Saturday while covering the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha.

The FIFA president announced Grant Wahl’s passing, saying, “It is with disbelief and tremendous regret that I learned of his departure while reporting on a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match in Qatar.”

“Grant was recognized for her work covering eight straight FIFA World Cups just a few days ago by FIFA and AIPS. Her professional life has also involved going to numerous FIFA Women’s World Cups and numerous other international athletic events. Everyone who follows international sport—especially soccer—will miss his reports, he continued.

We send our sincere condolences to his wife Céline and their family and friends during this extremely trying period on behalf of FIFA and the football community.

The organizing committee for the competition stated in a different statement that they are in touch “with the American Embassy and the pertinent local authorities to guarantee that the process of repatriation of the body complies to the desires of the family.”

“Wahl became ill while watching Argentina vs. the Netherlands yesterday night in the Lusail Stadium’s press box. He received immediate on-the-spot emergency medical care, and that care continued as he was transported by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital, according to him. a representative for Qatar 2022.

At the age of 48, Wahl was one of the most well-known figures in football writing and served as Sports Illustrated’s top football writer for two decades. His passing has generated controversy since, after the news surfaced, his brother accused the journalist of being murdered on Instagram. Authorities in Doha had previously approached Grant Wahl about donning a rainbow flag shirt in support of the LGBTI community.

Eric Wahl is my name. In Seattle, Washington, I reside. I am the brother of Grant Wahl. I’m gay,” he said in the video, the ‘New York Post’ reports. He donned the rainbow shirt throughout the World Cup because of me, My brother had a good life. He admitted to receiving threats on his life. My brother may not have just passed away. I believe he was murdered. His brother said, “And I only ask for any assistance.”