A total of fifty supporters of the Dutch national team attend the upcoming World Cup at Qatar’s expense. The organizer of the final round pays for the flights and accommodation of the the Dutch fans. In return, Qatar uses social media posts from the affected fans for marketing purposes.
The condition is that the selected supporters adhere to the so-called Code of Conduct during the World Cup. The document, which is in the hands of the NOS, has already been signed by two Dutch supporters. The document in question states that fans must make a positive contribution on social media and that ‘offensive’ comments from third parties must be reported. Posts that violate the code may be removed. The agreement can even be terminated if there are people who do not follow the rules.
Emir of Qatar lashes out in TV speech: ‘Unprecedented smear campaign’
In Qatar, people are more than fed up with the ongoing criticism by now
Leon van der Wilk, coordinator of the trip of the Dutch supporters, explains a few things on Sunday in conversation with the NOS. “The camera will zoom in on our group dressed in the Dutch at the opening. In addition, we will regularly appear in squares in our the Dutch shirts and we participate in the supporters World Cup, in which fans play five against five.” The fifty people selected must be present at the opening ceremony and the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20.
The NOS spoke to several the Dutch supporters who have decided to travel to Qatar. A majority had already planned to visit the World Cup and the fact that the World Cup organizer is taking care of all costs makes the trip a lot more attractive. It quickly saves thousands of euros per person. The supporters emphasize that they are aware of Qatar’s dubious reputation, but at the same time point out that the KNVB has decided to simply travel. As loyal fans, they are happy to support that consideration, or so it sounds.
A total of fifty the Dutch fans travel to Qatar
the Dutch supporter Paul Hirschel explains why he accepts the offer from Qatar. “You get a free flight and accommodation and you can go to the opening game. But the fact that we had to sign a document with all kinds of obligations and restrictions was the last straw for us. That would really make us a poster child for Qatar, we don’t want that,” he said. Hirschel, who immediately makes a comment. “We are fans of the Dutch national team, but not of this World Cup.”
Fan Leader Network
According to the organizer of the World Cup, the Fan Leader Network an ‘essential role’ in the promotion of the final round in Qatar. Four hundred Fan Leaders and influencers from about sixty countries will be present. Two hundred Fan Leaders have been selected from the 32 participating countries. “They play a vital role in actively liaising with fans who are planning to attend the World Cup, as well as providing us with crucial feedback on questions that arise regarding the tournament and the host country,” said Haya Al Kuwari, the leader of the Fan Engagement program, on the official World Cup website. The KNVB does not want to officially respond to the Fan Leader Network. The football association refers to the World Cup organization for this.
The approaching World Cup has been surrounded for some time by stories about, among other things, the treatment of the LGBTI community in Qatar. According to various human rights organizations, several people from that community have been arrested without charge and subsequently ill-treated. The biggest criticism, however, concerns the conditions in which guest workers have to work. The Guardian reported that 6,500 guest workers had died during the construction of the stadiums and hotels for the World Cup. There is also disagreement about compensation for the workers, while there are also rumors of bribery in the allocation of the World Cup to Qatar.
Qatar is more than fed up with criticism
The emir of Qatar is in any case more than tired of the strong and persistent criticism of the allocation of the World Cup to Qatar. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani even spoke of an “unprecedented smear campaign” in a televised speech last Tuesday. According to the head of state of the World Cup organizer, lies are systematically being brought out about the organization of the final round that starts next month.