Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Football Reporting
Football Reporting

Bundesliga

Qatar bite back at fake World Cup fans claims



The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee (SC) has hit back at accusations there are paid, fake football fans at the World Cup, after videos posted online were met with scepticism as to their authenticity.

The SC claimed “numerous journalists and commentators on social media” suggested clips of fans celebrating in Qatar were in fact impostors, labelling the assertions “disappointing and unsurprising.”

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

A statement from the Committee read: “With four days to go until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off, anticipation and excitement is building in Qatar as we prepare to welcome the world.

“Fans from all over the world — many of whom have made Qatar their home — have contributed to the local atmosphere recently, organising fan walks and parades throughout the country, and welcoming the various national teams at their hotels.

– FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Schedule, previews and how to watch
– Qatar World Cup 2022: Sportswashing, security and soccer

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are ‘real’ fans. We thoroughly reject these assertions, which are both disappointing and unsurprising.”

Various fans met the England team upon their arrival in Qatar on Tuesday, with one supporter telling the Times newspaper: “None of us are getting paid. We are diehard England fans. My favourite player was David Beckham, but now it is [Bukayo] Saka. If someone offered to pay us to support England we would turn them down. We are genuine supporters. Many of us grew up watching Beckham and Michael Owen. Our love is to this team.”

The SC’s statement added: “Qatar, and the rest of the world, is comprised of a diverse range of football fans, many of whom share emotional connections with multiple nations.

“In different places around the world, fans have different traditions, different ways to celebrate, and while that may contrast with what people are used to in Europe or South America, it doesn’t mean the passion for football is any less authentic. Journalists on the ground who speak and meet these fans are realising the reality.

“We look forward to the continuing build up to the kick off of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and it truly representing a moment that connects fans from all over the world, no matter how they choose to support their favourite teams.”

The tournament in Qatar kicks off on Sunday, with the host nation facing Ecuador.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.





Source link

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Bundesliga

Xabi Alonso is Liverpool’s top choice to take over as manager in the summer, though the Spaniard is set to be a man in...

FIFA

England were twice beaten by Belgium at the 2018 World Cup and not many members of the squad remain from the third-place playoff contested...

Bundesliga

Liverpool return to action on Sunday when they welcome Brighton to Anfield following the international break, with the Reds continuing their search for Jurgen...

Bayern Munich

The big Man Utd decision Manchester United will wait for the arrival of incoming chief executive Omar Berrada before deciding on Erik ten Hag’s...