The national team fan club canceled its participation in a fan tournament organized by the World Cup organizing committee in Doha at short notice.

A spokesman for the club told the “Osnabrücker Zeitung” that no teams made up of men and women were allowed to compete there.

"When we asked, we were told that only same-sex teams were allowed to compete.

That's why we decided against it."

Philipp Beitzel from the Coordination Office for Fan Projects (KOS) confirmed this version.

"According to our information, the organizers have indicated that they are replaying the men's World Cup.

Then it was said that the tournament was also open to women, but the teams should not be mixed up," said Beitzel of the "Osnabrücker Zeitung".

The National Fan Club Team, which was set up in 2003 by the German Football Association and sponsor Coca-Cola, will not be staying in Qatar during the World Cup, but in Dubai.

Qatar has been criticized for the human rights situation in the emirate.

ARD: "Paid fans" no longer get pocket money

According to a report by the ARD “Sportschau”, the football fans invited by the World Cup organizing committee are no longer receiving any “pocket money” in Qatar.

An email to participants in the travel program said guests should be protected from the "erroneous, misinformed claim" that they are "paid fans".

Therefore, “pocket money is unfortunately no longer provided”.

As international media had reported, the plan was to charge a credit card with around 70 euros per day.

Around 450 fans from 59 countries are said to be involved in the "Fan Leader Network".

According to reports, during the finals (November 20 to December 18), they should set the mood for the World Cup hosts, who have been heavily criticized in Europe.

The organizing committee said on request: "All fans who visit Qatar as our guests do so voluntarily and free of charge." The costs for flights, accommodation and meals are covered, but this is not to be regarded as "payment for services".

It is not an illegal action.

The OK did not comment specifically on the reports on pocket money.

The National Team Fan Club does not support the program.

Martin Endemann from the European fan alliance Football Supporters Europe told the German Press Agency in early November: "The fact that Qatar is still buying fans shortly before the start of the tournament also indicates that enthusiasm among active national team fan groups in many countries is rather low.

(...) These people should not be seen as representative fan representatives, but at most as volunteers for FIFA and the Organizing Committee.”