EPISODE · Jun 12, 2026 · 1H 12M
FIFA's World Cup and Authoritarianism with Karim Zidan
from The End of Sport · host The End of Sport
Karim Zidan, an investigative journalist and author, explores the complex relationship between sport, politics, and authoritarian regimes through his podcast Power Plays and upcoming book. This episode delves into how FIFA's World Cup has historically been exploited by regimes to legitimize power, the role of protests, and the future of global sporting events amidst political turmoil.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:02 World Cup Politics and Authoritarianism06:00 Historical Context of Sports and Politics08:53 FIFA's Evolution and Corruption12:08 The Role of Media in Authoritarian Regimes15:03 Sportswashing and Soft Power18:13 Infantino's FIFA and Authoritarianism21:00 The Power of Football and National Pride23:55 Balancing Love for the Game with Awareness37:58 The Role of Sports in Community and Health38:30 Critical Sports Fandom and Activism40:29 Protests in Sports: Historical Context and Impact43:58 The Power of Protest: Case Studies and Symbolism46:04 The Evolving Nature of Successful Protests50:44 Labor Movements and Protests in Sports55:03 Future World Cups: Expectations and Concerns01:00:01 Saudi Arabia's Transformation and the 2034 World Cup01:05:11 Political Context of Major Sporting Events01:11:32 Conclusion: Reflections on Sports, Politics, and ActivismKeywords: Sport and Politics, FIFA World Cup, Authoritarian Regimes, Power Plays Podcast, Human Rights, Sportswashing, Political Protest, Karim Zidane, World Cup History, Sports and Human RightsHosts in this episode: Priyansh, Anna, Johanna________________________________________Support & Follow The End of SportPatreon: patreon.com/Theendofsport (Support the show!)Bluesky: @endofsportpod.bsky.socialInstagram: @endofsportpodTwitter/X: @EndofSportPodYouTube: The End of SportListen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at harbingermedianetwork.com.
What this episode covers
Karim Zidan, an investigative journalist and author, explores the complex relationship between sport, politics, and authoritarian regimes through his podcast Power Plays and upcoming book. This episode delves into how FIFA's World Cup has historically been exploited by regimes to legitimize power, the role of protests, and the future of global sporting events amidst political turmoil.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:02 World Cup Politics and Authoritarianism06:00 Historical Context of Sports and Politics08:53 FIFA's Evolution and Corruption12:08 The Role of Media in Authoritarian Regimes15:03 Sportswashing and Soft Power18:13 Infantino's FIFA and Authoritarianism21:00 The Power of Football and National Pride23:55 Balancing Love for the Game with Awareness37:58 The Role of Sports in Community and Health38:30 Critical Sports Fandom and Activism40:29 Protests in Sports: Historical Context and Impact43:58 The Power of Protest: Case Studies and Symbolism46:04 The Evolving Nature of Successful Protests50:44 Labor Movements and Protests in Sports55:03 Future World Cups: Expectations and Concerns01:00:01 Saudi Arabia's Transformation and the 2034 World Cup01:05:11 Political Context of Major Sporting Events01:11:32 Conclusion: Reflections on Sports, Politics, and ActivismKeywords: Sport and Politics, FIFA World Cup, Authoritarian Regimes, Power Plays Podcast, Human Rights, Sportswashing, Political Protest, Karim Zidane, World Cup History, Sports and Human RightsHosts in this episode: Priyansh, Anna, Johanna________________________________________Support & Follow The End of SportPatreon: patreon.com/Theendofsport (Support the show!)Bluesky: @endofsportpod.bsky.socialInstagram: @endofsportpodTwitter/X: @EndofSportPodYouTube: The End of SportListen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at harbingermedianetwork.com.
NOW PLAYING
FIFA's World Cup and Authoritarianism with Karim Zidan
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m