50 football fans from the Netherlands Qatar paid for their World Cup trips.
In return, they should publish posts on social media that can be used for marketing.
Personally, I think that sport and politics are separate, says Leon van der Wijk, a supporter of the Dutch website NOS.
The 50 football fans from the Netherlands will go to the World Cup finals at the expense of Qatar.
The controversial host country pays thousands of euros for flights and accommodation for fans in a specific agreement.
In return, WC will use its social media posts for marketing purposes in accordance with this document.
Fans agree to sign and abide by the Code of Conduct posted here.
can be refused
It was specified that they should contribute positively on social media, that they should share and like posts from the organizing committee and report abusive reactions from third parties.
Posts that do not comply with the Code of Conduct may also be removed and supporters who do not adhere to the agreement may be terminated by the World Cup organisers.
– Last summer I signed up and sent an excited video of myself. Leon van der Wiek said TV cameras will also zoom in on the orange group in the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador.
‘The last straw for us’
Qatar has received a lot of criticism for its lack of human rights when it comes to, among other things KStatus of winners and issues of labor law and freedom of expression.
There are fans in the Netherlands who rejected the offer.
The temptation to accept was great. You get free flights 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. We don’t want to be Qatar’s poster child, says Paul Herschel.
‘obvious dilemma’
WC also confirms that fan activity on social media will be monitored.
We never have to lie about anything or hide things. We can be ourselves while respecting their culture. It’s personally guaranteed, because without this clause we would never have agreed. Of course, it is a dilemma whether the World Cup should be held in this type of country, but this choice was simply made in 2010. Personally, I believe that sports and politics should remain separate. That’s why we only go there as fans, says Leon van der Wijk.
The World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18.
