Qatar Foots Fans’ Flight & Hotel Bills For World Cup In Exchange For Likes

With the World Cup set to be hosted in Qatar this month, the country is paying for soccer fans to come and experience the finals in exchange for favorable feedback on social media.

 
According to Reuters, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) verified the news after Dutch broadcaster NOW learned that 50 Dutch fanatics’ travel and lodging expenses had been covered.

Two spectators mentioned that they were invited to choose 50 game supporters for the trip after being selected as ‘Fan Leaders’.

Apparently, all they had to do was create and post uplifting content and leave encouraging comments about the event on social media. Additionally, they were urged to support the World Cup by liking and sharing posts published by third parties. They also had the duty of alerting the SC to any “offensive, demeaning, or abusive statements” made by others.
 
If the chosen participants agreed with these terms, they had to sign a “code of conduct” to ensure compliance.
 
Qatar does make it a point to note that fans are not expected to be a “mouthpiece” for the country and are not obligated to spread false narratives. However, they are only asked not to badmouth the country, the tournament, or the SC.
 
The official website states that the program reaches 60 countries and has invited 400 fans and influencers to share in the celebrations.
 
 
 
[via Reuters, cover photo 233839650 © Simon Lehmann | Dreamstime.com]