A nasty surprise for all Dutch national team fans who are allowed to visit the final rounds of the World Cup football at the expense of Qatar. Their daily allowance of about 65 euros for food and drinks has suddenly been scrapped, they report.
“We have indeed received a message from Qatar. They are giving up and that’s because of all the fuss,” says Harry Goudsblom, better known as the ‘tit man’. He is one of the supporters who accepted the invitation of the government of Qatar. Travel and accommodation throughout the country are paid for and the supporters also receive a free ticket for the opening ceremony.
PR on social media
In return, Qatar asks for positive PR on social media. The approximately 50 selected fans per country, including those from the Netherlands, were also asked to report negative messages.
The Qatari’s generous package for the ‘positive’ supporters therefore included a daily allowance. But shortly before the World Cup suddenly came a message that it has been withdrawn. A Spanish supporter, whom we meet in Doha near the Orange fans and who has been invited to Qatar, also confirms the message. “It is strange that it happens at the last minute. But what can you do about it?”
Much talked about
In total, hundreds of fans from all over the world accepted the offer. They meet in the ultramodern center of Doha to collect their tickets for the opening ceremony.
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There are also many Dutch fans present. Like Leon van der Wilk. He does want to talk to De Telegraaf, other fans prefer not to provide text and explanation about their much-discussed journey for the umpteenth time.
Alcohol
“Yes, now I have to pay for my own beer, if I can find alcohol,” says Van der Wilk laughing. Yet other fans, like him, did not assume that they had to support themselves during the time of the Orange at the World Cup. It was presented differently to the supporters. In Qatar, prices are also higher than normal in a number of places.
Van der Wilk: “It is no different. Let’s talk about football. I would like to emphasize that I will not be obliged to share positive messages or pass on negative messages. That will not lead to problems, because Qatar later stated that we are free to do what we want.”
“The fact that that fee has been scrapped is especially sad for the fans with little money, says Goudsblom. “Some have benefits, they would have liked to have received that money from Qatar to get through their time here. It is now suddenly taken away from them. But we help each other as Orange fans. If others get into financial trouble, we just solve it.”