Hello everyone. Like every episode today's podcast was recorded several hours before it's

actual release. And as tonight's episode was about to come out, we learned that American

soccer journalist Grant Walt died today in Qatar, where he has been reporting on the

World Cup. He was 48 years old. Tributes are being paid on social media and among them,

US soccer released this statement. The entire US soccer family is heartbroken to learn

that we have lost Grant Walt. Fans of soccer and journalism of the highest quality knew

we could always count on Grant to deliver insightful and entertaining stories about our game and

its major protagonists, teams, players, coaches and the many personalities that make soccer

unlike any sport. 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. As important, Grant's belief in the

power of the game to advance human rights was and will remain an inspiration to all. Grant

made soccer his life's work and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no

longer be with us. US soccer sends its sincerest condolences to Grant's wife, Dr. Celine

Gounder and all of his family members, friends and colleagues in the media. And we thank Grant.

The his tremendous dedication to and impact on our game in the United States. His writing

and the stories he told will live on.

We will have more to say about Grant as a writer and as a person in tomorrow's episode.

And for tonight, we just felt we should acknowledge this tragic passing and we send our regards

to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Grant Wall.

From Apple News and Metal Arc Media, I'm Brendan Hunt.

And I'm Rebecca Lowe and this is Al to the whistle.

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