A group of around 40 Wales fans will be paid by authorities to attend the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The Fan Leader Scheme will offer supporters free flights and accommodation, as well as around £60 a day in spending money, providing they stay for two weeks during the tournament, in an apparent bid to improve their image to an increasingly critical outside gaze.
They will also be given complimentary tickets for the opening ceremony on November 20.
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Additionally, there have been suggestions that those signing up to the scheme will also have to follow certain rules.
According to The Times, those involved will, among other things, be tasked with delivering positive messages about the tournament and reporting 'critical social media posts'.
Sources on the ground haven't entirely dismissed those claims, but have cast doubt on any assertion fans will be monitoring the social media activity of their peers.
However, there is understood to be a code of conduct for fans attending the tournament under the scheme.
A group of 40 England supporters are also believed to have signed up, including four members of the England band, although it's believed the move hasn't been approved by the Football Supporters Association or the FA.
In a statement, an FA spokesperson said: "The Qatar Supreme Committee approached the England Supporters Travel Club to run a registration process for fans to join the World Cup ‘Fan Leaders’ Forum.
"We were told this was an opportunity to engage with fans from all competing nations to ensure that the voice of supporters was clearly heard in the planning for the World Cup, and that many international football associations were being approached.
"Following the initial registration process, the project has been managed by the Qatar Supreme Committee, and we have had no more involvement with the scheme, and no sight of the ‘code of conduct’ or any of the terms and conditions of involvement."
The FA of Wales declined to comment when approached by us about the situation involving Welsh fans. .The FAW are understood to be aware of the scheme, although a source has stressed neither they nor any official fan group has had any involvement.
Since it was awarded the tournament, Qatar has been confronted by a barrage of constant negative press and criticism, amid concerns over the rights of migrant workers and the treatment of people from the LGBT community.
Sources claim organisers are subsequently desperate to use the opening ceremony as a platform to create a positive image of Qatar to the world.
A document reportedly sent to fan leaders outlines the role they will be expected to play in the opening ceremony.
According to The Times it reads: “In celebration of the fans around the world, over the period of five minutes, fan chants from each nation will be played and you will be expected to stand up, sing the song/chant, wave your flags and represent your country.
“The camera will focus on each national fan group in turn. We will share with you the chant/song selected from your country to ensure you are familiar with it.” In bold red letters it adds: “Be ready in your shirt, flags and scarves to cheer and shout.”
The opening ceremony has clearly become a hugely important event for organisers, who have since insisted that attending the clash between Qatar and Ecuador is the only obligation for participants of the scheme.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) said: "The SC is proud of our Fan Leader Network and what it has achieved over the past few years. The program has enhanced the fan experience, helped us to understand fans concerns and ultimately shape an historic tournament focused on the fans. We believe this will be a model for future mega events where fans have direct access to organisers and an open channel for communication.
"We would like to address recent media speculation and misinformation circulating around the programme. This initiative is designed to thank and recognise our fan leaders who worked extensively with us over the past two years, giving them an opportunity to nominate those within the community that represent their values.
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"The Fan Leader Code of Conduct is not relevant to the Fan Guests involved in the upcoming delegation. This document was specifically for the Fan Leader Network who nominated fans for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 delegation. It provided guidelines on the network, the SC’s obligations and to reinforce the independence of the Fan Leaders in their association with the programme. There is no requirement for any Fan Guest to sign the document.
"There is no requirement to post social media content on the SC’s behalf. We share content relevant to fan groups and communities which enhances their experience. We love receiving fan-made content and encourage attendees to share with us in order to repost or utilise on our channels. Again, this is not mandatory.
"The fan guest role is completely voluntary and unpaid and will always be the case. We are proud to extend our hospitality, ensuring a comfortable stay and provision of general expenses. In no way should this be considered payment or associated with the supply of any service.
"The only obligation we ask for is that our guests who receive the ticket for the opening ceremony and match commit to their attendance so we avoid empty seats that are in high demand."
Wales begin their World Cup campaign against Group B rivals the United States at the Al Rayyan Stadium on November 21. They also play Iran and England.
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