World Cup reporter Grant Wall dies 48 days after being detained for LGBTQ+ shirt

CBS Sports journalist Grant Wall — one of the nation’s most respected soccer reporters — died while covering the World Cup, his brother announced Friday. He is 48 years old.

Grant was in Qatar when he passed … more Eric Wall He believes foul play is involved as he claims the reporter received death threats for wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Eric says Grant doesn’t have health issues … explaining in a heartbreaking Instagram video, “I don’t believe my brother is dead. I believe he was murdered.”

As we previously reported, Wahl was They were detained for almost 30 minutes After the World Cup defense on Nov. 21 … after his arrival at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar for the United States’ opening series against Wales.

To show her support for the LGBTQ+ community in a country where homosexuality is illegal, she wore a shirt emblazoned with a soccer ball and rainbow.

At the time, Eric praised his brother and slammed football’s governing body … saying “shame on @FIFA for losing all control over this corrupt World Cup.”

Grant was live-tweeting the Argentina vs. Netherlands game a few hours ago… his last post came at 1:05 p.m.

Eric says he spoke to Grant’s wife, Celine, who says he collapsed on the field and was given CPR before being Uberted to the hospital, where he died.

Eric said Celine spoke Ron Klein President Joe Biden‘Chief of Staff, as well as the White House.

US Soccer released a statement on Wall’s passing … “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn of the loss of Grant Wall.”

“Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and dedication to raising its profile on our sports landscape have been instrumental in instilling passion and respect for our beautiful game.”

“Most importantly, Grant’s belief in the power of sport to advance human rights was an inspiration to all.”