Qatar has been accused of paying hundreds of ‘fake fans’ to acts as supporters from varying nations and parade the streets from the camera.
Football fans online became a bit suspicious of TikTok account ‘Qatar Living’ after it began posting videos of fans from different countries all gathered together.
The Sun reports that ‘fans’ have been filling the streets in Doha a week before the tournament begins, donning flags, banners, and painted faces.
Clips have included ‘fans’ from Argentina, Brazil, England, Portugal, and many others.
Advert
However, the behaviour of the supporters looks to be incredibly staged, with questions being raised about the legitimacy of supporters.
One post shows England supporters chanting and playing the drums as they march through the roads holding a banner with the message: “It’s coming home.”
Another shows a sea of Brazil fans waving flags in Doha Corniche, wearing shirts that say ‘Brazil Fans Qatar’.
And fans online are seemingly seeing through the facade, claiming much of the behaviour isn’t akin to how each nation’s fans would normally behave.
One fan said: “Anyone that has ever been to a World Cup or a game with Brazilian fans will know that this is not how the Brazilians operate.”
Advert
Another wrote: “This World Cup is an embarrassment.”
Some fans have gone as far as claiming the ‘fans’ have been paid to act as supporters from different nations.
One fan tweeted: “What’s happening in Qatar right now for the World Cup is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever seen in Football.
“Due to fans boycotting the Qatar World Cup, they are paying fans to masquerade themselves as supporters of other nations.”
Advert
Another said: “I swear they’re paying the workers to be fans at this point I’ve seen them supporting like seven different countries."
Meanwhile, some fans have claimed that they’ve noticed the same people masquerade as a different nation in previous videos.
One wrote: “Damn they went from Argentina to Brazil, to Portugal quick.”
Another said: “Saw them all dressed as Brazil fans yesterday."
Advert
Other social media users pointed out that there were no female supporters in the crowds.
Qatar told SPORTbible in response: "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.
"Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are ‘real’ fans.
Advert
"We thoroughly reject these assertions, which are both disappointing and unsurprising.
"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."
Featured Image Credit: qatarliving/TikTokTopics: Football, Football World Cup, Qatar