In the second episode of "World Corrupt," Tommy and Roger delve into the controversial awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, exploring the deep-seated corruption within FIFA. They discuss FIFA's history, the influence of figures like João Havelange and Sepp Blatter, and the organization's transformation into a money-driven entity. Featuring insights from New York Times sports correspondent Tariq Panja and former Department of Justice spokesperson Matt Miller, the episode highlights the blatant vote-buying and ethical compromises that led to the selection of Qatar, despite its impracticality and human rights concerns. The hosts also touch on the cognitive dissonance that allows fans to overlook corruption and focus on the spectacle of the sport, setting the stage for future episodes that will further examine Qatar's perspective and the practice of sports washing.
