World Cup organisers defend Qatar residents as ‘authentic fans’

England fans cheer at flag plaza in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. Final preparations are being made for the soccer World Cup which starts on Nov. 20 when Qatar face Ecuador. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

World Cup organisers have insisted the atmosphere around the tournament in Qatar is authentic after reports suggested authorities were hiring people to support the 32 teams.

After days of fan parades in Doha and throngs of people greeting team buses arriving at hotels, Qatari organisers issued a statement saying: “Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are ‘real’ fans.