Qatar bankrolls hundreds of ‘fans’ to attend World Cup, support home team: report

The effort was part of Qatar's officially acknowledged "Qatari Fans Delegation Program," which the Qatar Football Association announced before the tournament. In a June 5 statement, the federation said it would sponsor "approximately 1,000 individuals including dedicated supporters."

"To ensure a seamless operation the program is covering flight tickets via Qatar Airways, hotel stays, and local transportation," the federation stated.

According to the outlet, many participants gathered at Seattle's Hyatt Regency before Qatar's final group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Lumen Field. Reporters observed attendees, some of whom reportedly had never attended a soccer match before, receiving Qatar-branded jerseys, scarves, sunglasses, hats, and flags in what was described as a "Fanbox."

The publication reports that many participants received complimentary match tickets in addition to travel accommodations worth thousands of dollars.

Several attendees told The Telegraph that they had little or no prior connection to Qatar. One participant reportedly said, "Many of us had never even set foot inside a stadium either." Another attendee told the newspaper, "I have had the time of my life."

According to the investigation, approximately 1,000 supporters were hosted throughout Qatar's group-stage campaign, while an additional 500 people reportedly received tickets for the team's final match. The newspaper estimated that as many as 2,000 Qatar supporters attended the Bosnia match on complimentary packages.

Supporters participating in the program stayed at hotels in both Seattle and Vancouver, including the Hyatt Regency and W Hotel in Seattle, and many were transported to and from matches on coach buses organized by the program.

Some attendees claimed the program extended beyond Qatari nationals and students living in North America, with applicants from elsewhere in the Gulf region allegedly receiving tickets as well.

The federation has previously defended organized supporter initiatives. Its June 5 statement said the program was intended to create "a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage."

The issue recalls scrutiny surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when allegations surfaced that some highly visible supporters had been recruited or sponsored to attend matches. At the time, organizers denied accusations of using "fake fans."

Qatar finished last in its group after drawing Switzerland before suffering losses to Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following the team's elimination, Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui thanked those who traveled to support the squad. "I am grateful for our fans," Lopetegui said after the match at Seattle's Lumen Field.

"They are a minority but they tried to support us and stay behind us. I'm sorry for them, but I think even if we don't achieve our goal, my feeling is they can be proud of this team. We fought until the end, we put everything on the pitch and we have to be hopeful for the future."