THE Qatar FA have paid thousands to transform randomers into fans for the World Cup.
In a bid to convince everyone of their love of , the are splashing the cash in a remarkable ‘cover up.’
Qatar reportedly paid for “fake fans” to attend their World Cup matches Credit: Getty
An investigation says thousands were given packs before matches – as well as an all-inclusive trip to America and Canada Credit: Getty
The Telegraph report that around 1,000 “fake fans” had all-inclusive trips to and put on for them just to look the part.
A “Qatar Fanbox” with replica shirts, Qatar-badge sunglasses, a team scarf, and nation-coloured flag is handed out to those who went along.
The investigation adds that some admitted to having never been to a football match before but were getting tickets for free at the most expensive tournament ever.
With seats costing over £250 each for the final group game against – – Qatari officials told the “fans” how to behave.
On top of the thousand there for the entire group stage, almost as many were there for NOTHING as the side lost to Bosnia.
Some have claimed that locals – including Americans and Mexicans – were persuaded financially to change their allegiances for the day as well.
It is said that at last 250 people there for the whole time had no connection to the gulf state at all.
Qatar has a population of more than 3.3million but one Saudi Arabia-born man, now living in state, is quoted as saying: “Many of us had never even set foot inside a stadium either.”
Another, described as being a white American with a top underneath his free Qatar shirt, said: “I have had the time of my life.”
And the Qataris are hardly they would be footing the bill for such a project, writing in a statement before the tournament that a “Fans Delegation Program” for “approximately 1,000 individuals” would be paid for.
It adds: “To ensure a seamless operation the program is covering flight tickets via Qatar Airways, hotel stays, and local transportation.”
The aim? To create “a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage.”
against thanks to a late equaliser despite being on the back foot for most of the match.
before slumping to defeat by Bosnia.
With Qatari students living in America and Canada invited to take part, as the FA confirmed, there are some who suggest that they were offered tickets to clashes.
And outside of the football, they have been put up in lush hotels including the JW Marriot Parq (Vancouver), and Hyatt and W Hotel (Seattle).
Some fans said they would be getting a private chartered flight back to the Middle East on behalf of the Emir on Friday.
Prior to the Bosnia game they had been instructed to meet in town for a march to the stadium together.
And they were spurred on by one Qatari cheerleader in the stands before being sent to two coaches after the match.
That took them to one of four hotels in the city.
Boss said: “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.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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