![]() ![]() In 2013, then-FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke said at a symposium less democracy is sometimes better for organizing a World Cup. And if we're to believe a high-ranking FIFA official, FIFA chose this and other controversial sites in the past willingly. It chose Qatar as the host with the bidding process allegedly rife with corruption and bribery. But it is important to remember FIFA is part of this process, too. GOLDMAN: Well, sure, there's already been a lot of attention on Qatar's anti-LGBTQ policies, although the country's leaders say all fans will be welcomed without discrimination, and attention on the treatment of migrant workers who've helped build the stadiums and infrastructure for the World Cup. FIFA's president sent a letter to national teams and players urging them to, quote, "let football take center stage, keep politics on the sidelines." Is that possible when they're playing in Qatar? And in the meantime, the film in question, which Irving brought to the world's attention, which includes statements like the Holocaust never happened, as of yesterday afternoon, it was the top-selling documentary on Amazon. Scott, it's been a debacle for the NBA with all these parties' delayed reactions, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. And then when he wouldn't answer no to a reporter's question Thursday about if he had antisemitic beliefs, that was the last straw - the suspension by the Nets last night Nike suspended its relationship with Irving. ![]() But Kyrie apparently wasn't a willing participant while making evasive and even defiant comments in public. He reportedly tried patience first, trying to educate Irving about antisemitism. GOLDMAN: ESPN did an autopsy on the week, and it says the league was waiting for Nets owner Joe Tsai to act. Why does it seem like the league and the team had to be dragged into doing something? That's pocket change to somebody on an NBA contract. He's been suspended for at least five games without pay. Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets added to it when he posted a link to an antisemitic film. We live in a time with rising antisemitism. SIMON: A sad and outrageous story this week. If they don't rediscover it tonight, we're going to be talking dynasty, Scott, with Houston winning a second World Series title since 2017 and being the complete team - great on offense, defense, pitching - that we've seen for much of the last six years. Phillies bats definitely have cooled of late, a combination of them missing pitches and the Astros making pitches, especially in that dazzling Game 4 combined no-hitter by Houston's pitchers. GOLDMAN: And if anyone knows well-muscled, it's you. Has that magnificent, well-muscled, sharp-eyed Philly lineup forgotten how to hit? The Houston Astros lead the Phillies 3 to 2. Can you do that in Qatar? NPR's Tom Goldman joins us. Kyrie Irving and his antisemitic post, and FIFA urges players to leave politics aside in the World Cup. SIMON: The World Series returns with Houston just a win away. ![]()
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