As part of a campaign to portray a perfect image of Qatar to the public during the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals days away, authorities in the Middle Eastern country have started offering free tickets and accommodations to fans across the world solely on its terms.
The New York Times reported that the covert invitational operations began sometime in September this year, targeting leaders and well-known fans of supporters clubs in the 32 countries participating in the biggest football showpiece in the world.
Fans who accept the invitations will be financed by Qatar – covering flights, tickets and accommodations during the World Cup, with the sole duty of abiding by contracts that will see them singing praises of the country and pushing scripted contexts that romanticise the country.
They would also be required to report negative social media posts of other fans about Qatar. Despite the rules, hundreds of fans have registered to be part of the operation.
One supporter from the Netherlands told the Dutch media outlet NOS that he would be vetting other supporters from the country.
A top member of the biggest supporters group in the United States, American Outlaws agreed to be part of it and also help recruit other supporters, The Times reported.
Qatar has come under heavy criticism from many people around the world due to its several allegations of human rights violations, especially the inhumane treatment of immigrant workers that have been working for years to make facilities ready for the competition.
Football legends, including Manchester United great Eric Catona and 2014 winners of the competition Philipp Lahm have called for the Qatar World Cup to be boycotted. But the country is trying to fill the tournament with counter-voices.
Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote to members of its federation urging them to focus on football following several protests by World Cup teams.
