The man who revealed Infantino’s World Cup disaster

The man who revealed Infantino’s World Cup disaster

Author: The Times August 6, 2026 Duration: 27:08

After breaking the story of a secret scheme to sell off the World Cup, our reporter unpacks the growing rebellion threatening to end Gianni Infantino's presidency. But how did Infantino’s plans unravel so quickly? And can FIFA be redeemed after yet another leadership scandal?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producers: Harry Stott, Jennifer Kennedy.

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: How Gianni Infantino engineered World Cup to sell his doomed plan

Further listening: Who is the “king of soccer" Gianni Infantino?

Clips: Sky News, Sky Sports News, 7News, BBC News, CBC, TalkSport.

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Story
Podcast Episodes
The Ukrainian plot to sink the Russian economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:41
In the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, citizens are facing escalating missile attacks from Russia and the country is out of interceptor missiles to prevent them. But behind the scenes, Ukraine has been plotting to bring down Rus…
Why young high achievers are leaving Britain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:13
‘There’s something wrong when aspirational high achievers see no future for themselves here,’ says Times columnist Cindy Yu. The exodus is small, but growing - the Office for National Statistics says there’s been a fivef…
Were 60,000 migrants intentionally let into Spain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
The largest single illegal border crossing in the history of the European Union took place last week as 60,000 migrants arrived in the Spanish city of Ceuta on the north coast of Africa. But why did they all come at once…
Is there a succession drama at LVMH? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:48
A six-part investigation by the French newspaper Le Monde has portrayed the luxury conglomerate LVMH as in the midst of a Succession-style drama, controlled by an ageing king: Bernard Arnault. Arnault made his first appe…
How extreme breeding is making our pets sick - The Saturday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
As demand for fashionable pets soars, vets and animal welfare charities say we're creating breeds that are destined to suffer. So, why are we prioritising cuteness over welfare? And what would it take to change the way w…
LATEST: Will Trump’s Gaza peace plan really disarm Hamas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:48
Donald Trump has announced that a deal has been reached to disarm Hamas in Gaza, while also forcing Israel to withdraw its troops from the strip. The President is hailing it as a ‘monumental step towards lasting PEACE an…