• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Qatar Is Paying Fans To Post Pro-World Cup Propaganda

  • The program reportedly includes 400 fans from 60 countries.
  • Qatar has received major criticism for human rights violations.
World-Cup
FIFA

The Qatari government is compensating a group of fans to disseminate positive propaganda about the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

The program, run by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, includes 400 fans from 60 countries, according to Reuters. Various media reports have noted fans from several European countries will participate — including the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

Fans will receive free travel and lodging in return for posting positive messages on social media about the World Cup experience. A Qatari spokesperson told Reuters the fans cannot “disparage” Qatar or the World Cup.

The program will likely look to combat the global outcry Qatar has faced as it has readied itself to host global soccer’s biggest event. 

  • Much of the criticism is related to Qatar’s archaic laws, particularly those which discriminate against the LGBTQ community. Several LGBTQ groups are protesting the tournament as a result.
  • World Cup projects also received backlash. Qatar allegedly put the workers in dangerous conditions and refused to pay them adequately, drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch and others. 
  • The groups ordered FIFA to pay $440 million to migrant workers who had suffered — which soccer’s governing body refused to do.
FIFA-World-Cup

LGBT Fans Boycott World Cup As FIFA Stays Quiet

The World Cup takes place between Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
October 31, 2022

Some members of the global soccer community are readying protests of their own. 

Both Denmark and England are using their kits to protest human rights abuses: England will wear “OneLove” arm bands, and Denmark will wear single-color uniforms that obscure logos.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A general view as athletes compete in the women’s 10,000m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France in Saint-Deanis, France, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.

Trump Order Leads to Visa Ban for Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

“Men do not belong in women’s sports,” a USCIS spokesperson said.
Mike Repole

Billionaire Mike Repole Taking Ownership Stake in UFL

Repole is the cofounder of Vitaminwater and Body Armor. 
Nov 7, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; General overhead view of the Atlanta United and the Columbus Crew match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Will MLS Switch Its Seasons to Fall? Owners Near a Defining Vote

A long-discussed and historic schedule shift could at last gain approval.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani presents Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) with a traditional robe after he won the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium.

Qatar Bids to Bring Olympics to Middle East for First Time

The Gulf state may reignite debate over heat and human rights.

Featured Today

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
August 3, 2025

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.