David Beckham hangs out with the FLN

The Qatar government wants a sheen on their World Cup to cover up the many instances of appalling labour and human rights abuses which FIFA chose to ignore or whitewash (just Google Qatar and human rights and there will be literally thousands of posts). So they hatched up a scheme whereby selected fans come to the World Cup and attend the opening ceremony and a number of other matches on their dime. The catch; these fans act as ambassadors and promote the World Cup while their airfares, tickets, accommodation costs are covered as well as a daily allowance for food and drink.

This quid pro quo is the brainchild of the sinister sounding FLN under the auspices of the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. Before you arrive at less benign interpretations, this is shorthand for Fan Leader Network and not some revolutionary group fighting for Zinedine Zidane’s rights in France. The FLN recently met with David Beckham, rented by the Qatar government for $11m in the mistaken belief being metrosexual/gay icon equates to LGBTQ rights.

One of the responsibilities of these paid up fans entails promoting third party social media posts positive to the World Cup while flagging those critical. Welcome to this Orwellian scenario. However since the arrangement came to light, the Supreme Committee has now reneged on that daily allowance covering food and drink. I guess they couldn’t handle the appearance of bribery. So fans, no fruit juice or dates. Unless out of pocket. And for those entertaining fond hopes of inebriating sustenance, disabuse your self of that notion. Beer will not be sold in stadiums and will set you back $13 for a Bud Lite at a hotel. Bud Lite. Day light meet robbery.