PODCAST: ‘ListenUP!’ – Fifa’s fables, foibles and fraud

Mark Barnes and Tim Cohen gallop through the week’s events, offering thoughts, opinions, and perspectives on local and international affairs. Here, they get stuck into the nexus of sport and money.
August 5, 2026
1 min read

How do sport and money mix? Like oil and water. It’s such a difficult balance to get right; sports can generate enormous turnover and need the cash to support development and pay the players. But if you go too far, you lose sight of the public and the ethic. So it’s turning out for Fifa, despite a fabulous world cup. Talk about an own goal!

Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discuss this issue, and its much less benign distant cousin, war. Is any consideration being given to the possibility that the conflict between Iran and the US will go on for years, as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia have done? And what’s behind it all? Listen UP!

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Tim Cohen

Tim Cohen is a long-time business journalist, commentator and columnist. He is currently senior editor for Currency. He was previously the editor of Business Day and the Financial Mail, and editor at large for the Daily Maverick.

Mark Barnes

Mark Barnes is a South African businessman, investment banker and entrepreneur. He held senior roles at various institutions including Standard Bank, Capital Alliance and Brait. He is also known as the cofounder of the Purple Group, owner of EasyEquities.

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