Qatar officials are offering the opportunity through their “Fan Leader Network,” which they say “contributes to tournament planning through fan knowledge, research, content creation and message amplification.” Around 40 England and 40 Wales fans have signed the deal, the Times reports. The program requires them to spend at least 14 days in the Gulf country during the tournament, but “ideally” those who sign up would spend all 29 days there. Under the terms, ambassadors must attend “selected and scheduled events,” which include the opening ceremony on November 20, where they may be asked to appear in short video clips from fans. They will act almost like social media influencers, as they will be encouraged to like and share third party posts, as well as flag content that is critical of the tournament. But in return they will get free race tickets, accommodation and paid flights. According to Dutch broadcaster NOS, which first revealed the plan, supporters from all 32 competing nations are expected to take part. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:56 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp weighs in on World Cup debate “Suggestion absolutely false” Qatar World Cup organizers the Supreme Committee have hit back at claims the Fan Leaders Network is an “illegal scheme”. In a statement, the committee said: “Recent media speculation has portrayed this initiative as an illegal scheme, paying visiting fans in return for the coordinated promotion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. “This insinuation is completely false. All fans who visit Qatar as our guests do so voluntarily and without payment. They are under no obligation to post or share content provided by SC or report content on our behalf.” He added that the committee “will provide flights, accommodation and accommodation expenses” for supporters who are part of the network, which he said gives fans “direct access to the organizers of a mega event for the first time in history”. The commission said the network helped it “understand the needs and concerns of fans from 59 different countries, allowing us to shape the fan experience.” And he confirmed that fans from the 32 qualifying nations have been invited to the opening ceremony and match “to share a unique experience with other supporters who represent their values”. He said treating the provision of flights, accommodation and accommodation as “fee for services not only overshadows the essence of the programme, but also calls into question the credibility and motivation of the fans involved”. “We look forward to welcoming all fans to Qatar for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world,” he added. FIFA boss urges ‘let’s focus on football’ It comes after Sky News exclusively revealed the contents of a letter sent by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to teams ahead of the tournament. Amid criticism of the host nation’s record on human and LGBTQ rights, Mr Infantino and FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura sought to drum up support from the players. They wrote: “Please, let’s focus on football now! “We know that football does not live in a vacuum and we also know that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature around the world. “But don’t let football get dragged into every ideological or political battle there is.” The letter failed to answer questions about Qatar’s human rights record, Ukraine calling for Iran to be banned for supplying Russia with drones and whether England and Wales can wear LGBTQ ‘One Love’ armbands as planned .
