Tariq Panja

Tariq Panja, a sports business reporter for The New York Times, dives into Qatar's ambitious hosting of the World Cup amid controversy. He discusses the monumental transformation the country undertook, from modern airports to a new metro system. Panja reveals the complexities of cultural sensitivity, especially with a beer ban and LGBTQ+ rights, while detailing allegations of corruption in FIFA's selection process. He also highlights the harsh realities faced by migrant workers contributing to these grand developments, a critical aspect of Qatar's World Cup journey.

Tariq Panja, a writer from The New York Times specializing in the football industry, joins the hosts to unpack the complexities of English clubs in European competitions. They discuss why the financially powerful Premier League often overlooks the Europa League. The conversation shifts to Lamine Yamal's potential rise in fame playing for Barcelona, highlighting the challenges faced by talented players from lesser-known leagues and the media's role in shaping their recognition.

Tariq Panja, writer for The New York Times, discusses the Saudi soccer gold rush and its impact on world football. They explore the signing of top players, controversies surrounding LGBTQ laws, obstacles faced by the Saudi League, and the country's commitment to remain competitive in world football.