Desperate measures to get fans onside are another sorry sign of how compromised this World Cup is

THE latest disturbing development in the dysfunctional build-up to Qatar World Cup is the news that the organisers are paying for groups of fans to attend in return for positive coverage on social media.

- Dan Kilpatrick

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) have admitted to inviting groups of supporters to Doha as guests this month after a report by Dutch broadcaster NOS revealed Qatar has paid for the flights and hotels of about 50 Dutch fans.

Belgian and French fans have also reportedly been offered free trips.

If that was not strange enough, in return these fans have to sign a sinister-sounding 'code of conduct', encouraging them to post positive comments about the tournament on social media and to report "any offensive, degrading or abusive comments" by others to the SC, preferably with screenshots.

The measure reeks of desperation and feels deeply ominous. If Qatar wants to present an image of a welcoming, open country to the watching world, directly recruiting football fans to assist with its sportswashing and encouraging citizen espionage is not a great look.

The move also raises questions about the number of fans expected to travel to Doha this month.