This study examines how German live ticker apps covered the highly politicized 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Through a qualitative content analysis of 14 apps, the research explores whether this traditionally event-focused format was used to provide critical analysis and background on socio-political controversies. Findings reveal that while most apps prioritized real-time game updates, established media with their own editorial teams were more likely to incorporate critical discourses. In contrast, newcomer apps relied more on neutral, agency-supplied or data-driven content, highlighting a divergence in journalistic approaches and the role of editorial responsibility in modern sports journalism.