logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2022
17m 53s

Qatar’s $200bn bet on the World Cup

Financial Times
About this episode

Qatar is in the spotlight as the host of this year’s World Cup — and the small, oil-rich nation has had to confront a lengthy human rights record with the world watching. The FT’s Gulf correspondent Simeon Kerr breaks down Qatar’s larger goals due to hosting the tournament, and what changes it has — and hasn’t — made to see those through. 


Clips from BBC, AP, PBS NewsHour, France24, The Guardian


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

For further reading:

The ethical case for watching this possibly unethical World Cup

Qatar counts down to World Cup kick-off after $200bn soft power bet

How the unlikeliest World Cup ever came to be

Qatar 2022: the weirdest World Cup in history

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 


On Twitter, follow Simeon Kerr (@simeonkerr) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Jul 9
A case of Schrödinger’s tariffs
It’s been exactly 90 days since US President Donald Trump paused most of his ‘reciprocal’ tariffs. With just a 10 per cent blanket tariff on all imports and a higher tariff on China, economists predicted the American economy would feel the heat pretty quickly. But the sky hasn’t ... Show More
19m 49s
Jul 2
How oil traders called the Middle East war
When Iran attacked a US airbase in Qatar – a response to strikes on its nuclear facilities – many feared a global war may be imminent. But there was one market that didn’t break a sweat: oil. It’s typically a commodity that surges at the first sight of conflict in the Middle East ... Show More
19m 14s
Jun 25
The end of the UK’s ‘bailout era’
The Royal Bank of Scotland was once the biggest bank in the world. Then, hubris got the best of it. During the financial crisis the UK government spent £46bn to bail out the bank. Seventeen years and a rebrand to NatWest Group later, the government just sold its last shares in it ... Show More
16m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Qatar’s Big Bet on the World Cup
The World Cup, the biggest single sporting event on the planet, began earlier this month. By the time the tournament finishes, half the global population is expected to have watched. The 2022 World Cup has also been the focus of over a decade of controversy because of its unlikel ... Show More
34m 14s
Jun 2015
Can Qatar retain the 2022 World Cup?
Allegations that Qatar won its bid to host the 2022 World Cup through bribery have led to calls for the Gulf emirate to be stripped of its right to host the competition - especially after the corruption scandal at football's governing body Fifa erupted last month. Fiona Symon dis ... Show More
7m 55s
Dec 2022
Qatar’s soft power play
Qatar’s decision to host the World Cup was mired in controversy from the start but ultimately seems to have paid off, bringing the tiny Gulf emirate new friends and winning over old enemies. Gideon talks to Simeon Kerr, the FT’s Gulf correspondent, about what motivates the emirat ... Show More
26m 14s
Dec 2022
How This World Cup Changed Soccer
For weeks, much of the globe has been riveted by the highs and lows of the World Cup in Qatar. On Sunday, the soccer tournament culminated in a win for Argentina and its star, Lionel Messi, against France.Here’s how the thrill of the game eclipsed the tournament’s tainted beginni ... Show More
29m 25s
Dec 2022
World Cup 2022: Episode 19 - The World Cup Of Falseness
Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Tom Roddy, Matt Lawton and Owen Slot in Qatar. From last minute u-turns to questions over the authenticity of some fans - what are our experiences of the World Cup in Qatar so far? (00:00) How will Qatar 2022 be seen in the future? Will football ever ... Show More
51m 48s
Dec 2022
World Cup 2022: Episode 18 - The Business End Of Qatar 2022
Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and Matt Dickinson in Qatar. What has Qatar 2022 been like for our journalists so far? Has the lack of alcohol and location made the event feel safer? (00:00) We discuss our best moments on the pitch as two teams stand out (09:52) ... Show More
45m 49s