President Donald Trump’s request for FIFA to review a controversial red card against US striker Folarin Balogun has raised questions about fairness and preferential treatment at the World Cup. But experts say soccer’s governing body has long been open to possible political influence and corruption. We explore how that came to be and why fans continue to love the tournament despite FIFA.&nbsp;

For more:&nbsp;Breaking down 36 disastrous hours for American soccer as World Cup bubble bursts&nbsp;

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Guest:&nbsp;Simon Kuper,&nbsp;Financial Times reporter&nbsp;and co-author, ‘Soccernomics’&nbsp;

Host: David Rind&nbsp;

Producer: Paola Ortiz&nbsp;

Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin

Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
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You’ve been overwhelmed with headlines all week – what's worth a closer look? One Thing takes you beyond the headlines and helps make sense of what everyone is talking about. Host David Rind talks to experts, reporters on the front lines and the real people impacted by the news about what they've learned – and why it matters. New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.

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