The System That Runs World Soccer (And Why It Broke)
Topics discussed
Introduction: Sepp Blatter and the FIFA scandal
The global appeal and simplicity of soccer
Origins: Codification in England and founding of FIFA
Birth of the World Cup and rise of television
Politics and passion: The 1986 Maradona match
FIFA's insular power structure and corruption allegations
Interview: Simon Cooper meets Sepp Blatter
Blatter's rise and FIFA's financial engine
The patronage system: Money, votes, and lack of oversight
The controversial 2010 host selection process
Qatar wins 2022: Shock, heat, and bribery claims
The collapse: Scrutiny, US investigation, and Blatter's exit
Conclusion: Blatter's legacy and episode credits
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