2022 World Cup host nation is hiring fans to attend games and fill stadiums

This is one of the most controversial tournaments of all time

Oil-rich Qatar is currently under severe media scrutiny, after reports of having paid fans have emerged. The host nation has been accused of hiring hundreds of 'fake fans' to sing and dance in an attempt to create fan euphoria and atmosphere across the eight World Cup venues.

Contentions of Qatar hosting the World Cup have marred the middle-eastern nation's World Cup bid. From accusations of corruption, human rights issues faced by migrant workers, to the conservative laws in the country for incoming fans, have affected the perception of the world adversely.

Reports from various media outlets include 'fan parades' in Doha ahead of the tournament's big kick-off this Sunday,20th November including celebrations featuring supporters supposedly from England, Brazil, Argentina and several other nations.

A series of footage has been released by the local Tiktok channel Qatari Living, of supporters arriving in Doha ahead of the World Cup. However, this has been met with criticism, with the fans being accused as paid actors and migrants dressed as fans.

Reply from Supreme Committee of Qatar

According to reports in the English media, Indian ex-pats from Kerala were waiting outside the England hotel, awaiting the team’s arrival in Qatar. The fans insisted they were not fake while showing the murals of English players they drew back in Kerala.

However, the Supreme Committee of Qatar has refuted these claims with a statement, saying it was disappointing and unsurprising :"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.

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.” read the statement further.