Qatar World Cup chiefs hit back at accusation of ‘paying’ fans in f…

Qatar officials have slammed suggestions that ‘fake’ fans have been deployed in the country ahead of the World Cup. Social media videos appeared to show supporters lining the streets clad in merchandise from different nations. Questions were raised over the authenticity of what were believed to be Indian expats clad in England merchandise, with clips showing them marching through roads. Those fans have insisted that they are genuine Three Lions supporters and have not been paid to promote the World Cup. Qatar has now rejected scrutiny over whether the fans are ‘real’, bemoaning that such assertions are ‘unsurprising’. ‘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,’ the Qatar World Cup Supreme Committee said in a statement. ‘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.JUST IN: Man Utd’s Anthony Martial dealt new World Cup snub after Nkunku injury Qatar has rejected claims that groups have been paid to represent World Cup nations (Image: TIKTOK / TWITTER)’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.’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.DON’T MISS…William ‘feeling weight of divided loyalties’ ahead of World CupMessi weighs in on England’s World Cup hopes and names three favouritesHarry Kane makes Golden Boot claim as World Cup opener beckons England fans in Qatar for the World Cup (Image: GETTY IMAGES)