Tariq Panja
@tariqpanja.bsky.social
18K followers 140 following 980 posts
⚽️💰🚓 Co-author Football's Secret Trade| NYT Global Sports Correspondent| ✉️[email protected] |[email protected]|
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Reposted by Tariq Panja
As Syria’s regime collapsed last year, the world’s eyes were on President Bashar al-Assad’s getaway flight. Behind him, officials key to his brutal rule made a mass exodus, virtually undetected.
How Assad’s Top Henchmen Fled Syria and Justice
As Syria’s regime collapsed, the world’s eyes were on Bashar al-Assad’s getaway flight. Behind him, officials key to his brutal rule made a mass exodus, virtually undetected.
nyti.ms
The joys of multiclub ownership.
The SEC charges also include Steve Pasko, the 777 co-founder. Curiously he hasn't been charged in the department of justice indictment. More to unspool here.
Updated story with details of close Wander aide pleading guilty and new charges from American Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

More details and background

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/b...
Brash Investor in Global Soccer Clubs Is Charged With Fraud
www.nytimes.com
For every twist and turn in this saga, and a real repository of what happened behind the scenes have a look at the back catalogue @josimarfootball.bsky.social has. Vast array of deeply reported stories on 777 and its impact on several teams.
The cast of characters cheered on to acquire storied football clubs, massive social institutions in their community, without governing bodies paying close attention remains a big part of the sports story. In plain sight.

www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/w...
The Mystery Company With One Foot in the Premier League (Published 2023)
www.nytimes.com
💣 ⚽️ 👮 🙀 Josh Wander, the brash American businessman who came close to buying Premier League team Everton, once one of the biggest multi club investors in football, is charged with fraud by US authorities.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/b...
Brash Investor in Global Soccer Clubs Is Charged With Fraud
www.nytimes.com
John Textor not paying his bills.
This time Atlanta United and the MLS the victims of Textor's multi club chaos with Botafogo missing millions of committed transfer payment.

apnews.com/article/cas-... 
Brazilian club Botafogo in court for $21M transfer fee dispute with Atlanta United and FIFA
Brazilian club Botafogo in court for $21M transfer fee dispute with Atlanta United and FIFA
South American champion Botafogo which is owned by American businessman John Textor went to sport’s highest court Wednesday in a dispute over an unpaid $21 million transfer fee to Major League Soccer club Atlanta United.
apnews.com
*agreeing that Donald Trump can

Apols, typing too fast!
FIFA effectively agreeing the Donald Trump and remove cities from World Cup hosting with this statement. He suggested yesterday Gianni would agree with whatever he wanted.
Reposted by Tariq Panja
Elon Musk's key ventures:

SpaceX
xAI
Model X
YaXley-Lennon
And now Saudi Arabia, who were also gifted home advantage for the AFC playoffs, also qualify for the 2026 World Cup after drawing 0-0 with Iraq. They go through on goal difference.
Qatar, who were inexplicably granted home advantage throughout AFC playoffs, have qualified for 2026 World Cup by beating the UAE 2-0 in last playoff group game. Completely unbalanced situation that resulted in likeliest outcome. Saudis, who have home advantage in other playoff, likely to join them
The UAE - a country where it’s notoriously hard to get citizenship— have really worked the global transfer market to come up with their “national” team. This is the lineup for massive game v Qatar. A World Cup place at stake. Qatar on the other hand somehow given home advantage for qualifying comp.
Reposted by Tariq Panja
Many Palestinians in Gaza felt there was little to celebrate on Monday. “It’s important that the bombing has stopped, but there’s nothing to be happy about,” said Saed Abu Aita, 44. “My two daughters were killed, my home was destroyed and my health has deteriorated.”
Gazans See Little to Celebrate Even Though the Bombs Have Stopped
The cease-fire in Gaza has taken hold. Hostages and prisoners have been exchanged. But amid the utter devastation of two years of war, a sense of gloom pervades.
nyti.ms
Pointed out there was separate speech where Qatar was praised repeatedly by Trump. They got their own entire section of praise.
Qatar though had pride of place in the team photo. Sheikh Tamim alongside Trump.
He did briefly and randomly reference Norway and the World Cup in the US. Must have followed the game against Israel on Saturday.
Interesting Trump name checked a bunch countries and leaders — including repeatedly calling Meloni of Italy a beautiful woman — but not everyone. Surprised to see him not mention Qatar given its role in all this, and of course that very big plane.
That’s right, reminder that we’re still waiting for a result in the 130 charges case.