Qatar gives fans paid trips to sing at World Cup ceremony

Supporters from each of the 32 teams are needed for a five-minute section of the ceremony before Qatar plays Ecuador this month.

ON SONG:  People gather around the official countdown clock showing remaining time until the kick-off of the World Cup. Picture: AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File

Up to 1,600 fans of the teams that qualified for this year’s World Cup are being recruited for an all expenses-paid trip to Qatar to sing in the opening ceremony and stay for at least two weeks promoting positive social media content about the soccer tournament and the host nation.

Fans from each of the 32 teams are needed for a five-minute, fan-themed section of the ceremony before Qatar plays Ecuador in the opening match on November 20. They will perform a chant or song specific to each country, chosen by the organisers, according to documents seen by The Associated Press.