FIFA denies with a harsh statement the presence of ‘paying fans’ at the World Cup in Qatar

A few hours before the start of the World Cup, the experience of hosting a World Cup is already starting in Qatar. Fans from all over the world are starting to arrive in the lands of Qatar and add color to the party, but there is more than one controversy that could overshadow the event. In the last few hours, for example, an unusual version has emerged that puts the organization in check.

It was born from a series of videos released by the Organization and Legacy Committee, through the TikTok platform. In these clippings, thousands of fans could be seen taking over the streets of Doha, accompanied by the following words: “The World Cup party is already roaming the streets of Doha.”

The truth is that although flags from all over the world could be seen in the images, very few fans looked like they were originally from the country they supported. Users, through social media, have begun to question the veracity of these fans parading through Qatar, and thus the version of the alleged ‘fans hired’ by FIFA was born.

In these videos, the presence of over 3,000 Argentine fans stood out, walking along the Corniche Avenue towards the Flag Plaza, with hundreds of flags and the shout of “Come on, come on, Argentina!”. Shortly after, it was revealed that this group represented Argentine fans from Qatar, consisting of fans of Messi and the Argentina national team, mostly from India and Bangladesh.

The comments, in any case, have little to do with the case of the Argentine national team. It is known that Albiceleste enjoys great support in the Middle East, but the fanaticism of the other teams is surprising. A user commented on the video with a certain ironic tone, and launched: “95% of these guys are from Qatar who work for some agency”.

Most comments on the publication follow the same trendand, apparently, the criticism has reached the ears of FIFA leaders. From Qatar’s Supreme Handover and Legacy Committee, they referred to the allegations, commenting: “Numerous journalists and commentators on social networks have wondered if they are real fans.”.

And so, they closed strongly: “We categorically reject these claims, which are as disappointing as they are surprising.” Similarly, the Committee stressed: “Four days before the start of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, anticipation and excitement is building as we prepare to welcome the world.”

“Qatar and the rest of the world are made up of a wide variety of football fans. In different places, fans have different traditions and ways of celebrating, and while that may contrast with what you’re used to in Europe or South America, that doesn’t mean that the passion for football is less authentic here.” the Committee, thus leaving out the accusations that have had such repercussions on social media in the last few hours.