World Cup team accused of 'paying for fans' to support them with free tickets dished out
The team competing at this summer's tournament have been accused of buying fans.
The Qatari FA have been accused of paying for fans to attend this summer’s World Cup in North America. The Qatari team ended their World Cup campaign in disappointment on Wednesday night after losing 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final group match.
The tournament had got off to a strong start for the 2022 hosts, having scored late on against Switzerland to snatch an unlikely point. However, a 6-0 thumping in matchday two against Canada left them with their tails between their legs, with the Bosnia victory confirming an early exit.
But according to The Telegraph, everything wasn’t as it seemed when it came to those inside the stadium supporting Qatar. That’s because the outlet are claiming the Qatari Football Association has hired people to pose as supporters in an attempt to convince people they’re a well-supported football nation.
Express Sport have contacted the Qatari FA for comment.
These allegations were first raised four years ago when Qatar hosted the World Cup, becoming the first-ever Middle Eastern nation to do so. However, it’s claimed that Qatar has provided tickets, flights and hotel rooms worth thousands of pounds to around 1,000 people posing as supporters in North America.
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The outlet suggests some of these 'fans' have never even been to a football match before, but are being given an all-expenses paid trip to the most expensive World Cup ever. A Qatari ‘fanbox’ was handed out to those in question, which included shirts and scarves so they could at least look the part.
Speaking to The Telegraph, one fan said: “Many of us had never even set foot inside a stadium either. I have had the time of my life."
Meanwhile, a statement from the Qatari FA last month effectively confirmed that around 1,000 fans would have their trips paid for. It read: “To ensure a seamless operation the program is covering flight tickets via Qatar Airways, hotel stays, and local transportation.
With the programme aiming to create “a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage”.
Ex-Wolves boss and current Qatar gaffer Julen Lopetegui praised his side’s support following the defeat to Bosnia, saying: “I am grateful for our fans. They are a minority but they tried to support us and stay behind us. I’m sorry for them, but I think even if we don’t achieve our goal, my feeling is they can be proud of this team. We fought until the end, we put everything on the pitch and we have to be hopeful for the future.”
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