There’s long been a shared belief that despite the mistakes and wrongdoings of players, organizers, or world leaders, the game of soccer remains pure – untouched by our sins. In this episode we ask: how can that still be the case today? And we look into one of the countries that exemplifies the political turmoil and contradictions that have come to define this World Cup: Iran.

<p>There&rsquo;s long been a shared belief that despite the mistakes and wrongdoings of players, organizers, or world leaders, the game of soccer remains pure &ndash; untouched by our sins. In this episode we ask: how can that still be the case today? And we look into one of the countries that exemplifies the political turmoil and contradictions that have come to define this World Cup: Iran.</p>

As we gear up for the Men’s World Cup, listen to our new show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots, told in short narrative episodes and deep dive interviews. Hosted by Fernanda Echavarri. New episodes available every Wednesday.

<p>As we gear up for the Men&rsquo;s World Cup, listen to our new show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots, told in short narrative episodes and deep dive interviews. Hosted by Fernanda Echavarri. New episodes available every Wednesday.</p>

American Futbol

The Ball is Tainted: Iran, FIFA, and the World Cup

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/243de913-ead6-472c-88a5-b47201239240/transcript