ROME (ITALPRESS) – Qatar reportedly paid to have fans in the stands supporting its national team at the World Cup. This is the claim made in an investigation by The Telegraph. The Arab team’s journey in the competition ended in the group stage following a defeat against Bosnia (3-1), yet they were able to count on the support of several hundred fans. The British newspaper estimates that around 2,000 people received gifts from Qatar to support the Qatari national team against Bosnia. The emirate reportedly offered packages to ordinary fans that included hotel accommodation, match tickets, and—where necessary—airfare; these gifts were worth several thousand euros. Furthermore, the “fans” reportedly received a package containing a Qatar jersey, sunglasses, a scarf, and a Qatari flag prior to the matches. Some of these fake fans reportedly never even set foot inside a stadium.
For the entire group stage, Qatar reportedly mobilized around 1,000 people—with all expenses paid—to support the national team from the stands. This figure reportedly rose to approximately 2,000 for the match against Bosnia, with the possibility that American and Mexican fans would also come to support Qatar at the wealthy oil state’s expense. Initially, the Qatari federation intended to invite die-hard supporters as well as Qatari students studying in the United States and Mexico, but the program appears to have been significantly expanded. It was a mobilization driven by big spending, yet one that ultimately brought Qatar no luck.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
