Among the many controversies surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, accusations of using paid fans have emerged. In the lead-up to the tournament, there have been allegations that Qatar paid migrant workers to fill stadiums, host rallies and pretend to be fans. However, the claims were rubbished by both FIFA and Qatar. Nevertheless, many fans are sceptical of the claims.
One of the most popular claims is that Qatar has paid fans to appear in promotional videos, such as the viral TikTok video of a group of fans in Doha waving flags and cheering for their team. The video is said to have received millions of views. However, some people say it was simply a ruse.
In addition to accusations of using paid fans, the tiny Gulf Arab nation has also come under fire for its alleged human rights issues. Last year, migrant workers claimed they came to an international beach volleyball tournament in Qatar for cash, and that they frequently lied about their attendance. The World Cup executive committee has rubbished the claims, but the media is weighing in on the topic.
One of the claims circulating on social media is that Qatar has paid hundreds of fake fans to appear in promotional videos. However, the claims are hardly surprising, as Qatar is a rich nation, and its population is mostly made up of migrant workers. Nevertheless, the World Cup is a celebration of the fan base from around the world, and a group of “fans” from Wales signed up to a paid-for supporter’s program. In return for their participation, they received a daily allowance and free accommodation.
Other claims include the existence of a “fan leader program” that contributes to the amplification of the message of the tournament. The program is led by a community of 400 fan leaders from 60 countries. It also contributes research and fan insight.
While the “fan leader” program does indeed exist, it is unclear whether any real fans are participating. Some social media enthusiasts believe that Qatar is using paid fans, but others have questioned the legitimacy of such claims. Other allegations of state-sponsorship of the tournament have surfaced, but the claims are merely the latest in a long line of problems.
In addition to claims of paying fans, the Qatari government has come under fire for its human rights record. Some claim that the country has detention camps for drunk people. However, officials say that drunkenness is tolerated as long as it does not endanger the safety of others. The World Cup will also feature fan zones where beer and other beverages will be sold.
The claims of using paid fans have risen as the World Cup approaches, and many football fans have responded by claiming the claims are fake news. However, if the claims are true, the tournament will have some serious kinks to work out.
The claims of paying fans have prompted a number of journalists to ask whether the claims are merely hype. Several users have pointed out that there are many World Cup fans from around the globe, and many of them come from nations with a storied history in football.
