PR program targets Qatar World Cup fan groups

A program by Qatar to promote the FIFA World Cup will see groups of about 40 fans from more than 30 countries receive pay and expenses in exchange for delivering positive messages about the tournament.

Fan groups from England and Wales are taking part in the Fan Leader Program, which provides free flights and accommodation, spending money and match tickets, The Times reported.

But some supporter groups, including rebels from the England fan base as well as France and the US, have described the program as “sinister” and “distasteful.”

Along with promoting the tournament, program members will be required to perform chants in front of TV cameras and maintain a pro-Qatar presence on social media. Four members of the official England football team band, including leader John Hemmingham, have agreed to take part in the program.

A document seen by The Times outlining Qatar’s expectations of fan group behavior said: “In celebration of the fans around the world, over the period of five minutes, fan chants from each nation will be played and you will be expected to stand up, sing the song/chant, wave your flags and represent your country.

“The camera will focus on each national fan group in turn. We will share with you the chant/ song selected from your country to ensure you are familiar with it. Be ready in your shirt, flags and scarves to cheer and shout.”

During an earlier event to promote the World Cup, Hemmingham said: “Qatar is very safe, there are lots of rules and no crime.”

England’s Football Association said in a statement: “We were told this was an opportunity to engage with fans from all competing nations to ensure that the voice of supporters was clearly heard in the planning for the World Cup and that many international football associations were being approached.”