Sports – or rather, investments in sports – have become a vehicle for competition in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s fight for prominence.

With Chelsea and Arsenal to contest the Uefa Europa League final, fans have turned their attention to Baku – the capital of Azerbaijan. What many don’t know, however, is the decision to host the game in the city is part of a much greater strategic plan.

With the next Fifa Council meeting quickly approaching, Gianni Infantino’s recent travel itinerary offers insights into what’s really afoot in world politics at the moment