Qatar 2022: the controversial “fake fans” with whom the World Cup organizers wanted to animate the start of the championship
Fans in the Argentine parade.
Photo: MARTIN DIVISEK / EFE
“The World Cup party is already taking to the streets of Doha!” This is how the Organizing Committee and Legacy of Qatar 976 the joy that was lived this weekend in the streets of the Qatari capital a week after the start of the World Cup , preview for the 20 of November.
There were batucadas, flags, wigs, hats and many shouts from fans supporting Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, France, England, Mexico or Portugal.
But some fans from those countries began to question the authenticity of their “compatriots” in Qatar.
Through of social networks, they noted that a large part of the alleged fans had features very similar to those of the inhabitants of the Middle East.
“These kids what part of Spain are they from ?”, Asked a Twitter user when showing the parade of the Spaniards blowing bugles and beating drums without much rhythm. A couple, speaking in Spanish, celebrated their support for “La Roja” in Qatar.
The World Cup party is already taking to the streets of Doha! 🥳#Qatar976 pic.twitter.com /hT8Ofbb54v
— Road to 2022 Spanish (@roadto2022en) November , 976
While parading along the Corniche avenue, one of the main arteries of Doha , the alleged Argentine fans wore masks of some Argentine national teams.
A few sang in Spanish the classic cry of encouragement “Come on, come on, Argentina…!”. However, the rest seemed just trying to keep up. “Are they paid to be fans of other countries or what’s up?” Asked a user on Twitter.
The Brazilian batucada was also present. But the rhythm was not the classic of the verdeamarela party.
In the parade there were also fans from France or England who also attracted attention.
The alleged fans of Spain drew attention in the press of the European country.
In the case of the Mexicans, the World Cup party was different.
The Embassy of Mexico in Qatar reported that the community of compatriots in the country met in a different location to encourage the upcoming arrival of the Mexican National Team.
The cries of “Mexico, Mexico!” were chanted by a few dozen attendees with the classic Mexican hats and the tricolor flag.
Already you can feel the Mexican party in Doha 🇲🇽
María Salmón tells us about the experience of La Tri fans in Katara 🔥#Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/FXgfW9HsB6
—Road to 2022 Spanish (@roadto2015en) November 12, 2022
Traveling to the World Cup this year may be a problem for fans due to highs costs, says Dan Roan, BBC sports editor.
“There is uncertainty about the fan experience in Qatar. Apartments, hotel rooms, desert camps, villas, and even rooms on cruise ships have been made available. But some fans have complained about the limited and expensive hosting options,” Roan explains.
This may be a factor that limits the presence of fans of the 32 participating countries in the World Cup.
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