Some of the millions of foreign workers in Qatar have been "rewarded" with significantly lower ticket prices in recognition of their crucial role behi
Some of the millions of foreign workers in Qatar have been “rewarded” with significantly lower ticket prices in recognition of their crucial role behind the scenes at this year’s World Cup.
Jita Singh, Singapore’s renowned coach, currently in Doha for the tournament, expressed surprise at this unexpected gesture from the organizers. Far from the luxury hotels and sprawling stadiums, South Asian workers from countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh gathered in Doha’s outskirts to enjoy the tournament they helped bring to life.
In Asian Town, a neighborhood known for its labor camps, these workers—many from some of the poorest countries in the world—had a chance to watch the matches at local cricket grounds, surrounded by fellow migrants. Food options went beyond the usual deep-fried Indian snacks, creating a more enjoyable experience.
“They’ve been the force behind Qatar’s transformation into a World Cup-ready nation,” praised Jita, referring to the workers who contributed to the multi-billion-dollar stadium-building effort in this desert terrain.
One of the most striking gestures was that these workers only paid around US$3 for Argentina football jerseys as they joined 15,000 other migrant workers to watch Lionel Messi and his team battle to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Messi’s goal in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Mexico on Sunday electrified the crowd in Asian Town’s cricket stadium.
Jita noted that many of these workers are often unfairly labeled “fake fans” because they wear counterfeit jerseys purchased for just US$3, instead of the US$90 official versions.
Suresh Nair is an award-winning sports journalist and a certified international coach and referee instructor.
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