February 2009. The State of Qatar — population 1.7 million, of whom 280,000 are Qatari nationals — announces it intends to host the largest sporting event on earth. Its national team has never qualified for a World Cup. Its top domestic league plays in front of crowds in the hundreds. Outdoor temperatures in June and July routinely pass 50°C. It has money, and it has a plan.

In this episode:

- Why Qatar bid in the first place — and the five-rival field that included a heavy US favourite

- What the bid book actually promised: twelve air-conditioned carbon-neutral stadiums, a summer tournament, $200 billion of state-funded infrastructure

- The FIFA inspection report that rated Qatar "high operational risk" — the only 2022 bidder to receive that grade

- The October 2010 Sunday Times sting that suspended two ExCo voters two weeks before the ballot

Key documents cited:

- FIFA Bid Evaluation Report for the 2018/2022 World Cup, November 2010

- Qatar 2022 Bid Book, May 2010

- Sunday Times "World Cup Vote for Sale" investigation, 17 October 2010

Full transcript and source links: thefifafiles.com/episodes/6-the-bid

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