Martin von den Driesch photography

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  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1916_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, October 27, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is checking here new emails on his iPad, with a packed moving box in the background.
    M131027_MG_5840_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, October 27, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown with his two children, playing in the hallway of their house.
    M131027_MG_5837_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 17, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche.
    M130917_F8A9478_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, October 27, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Here the family clothes, ready to be packed into a suitcase.
    M131027_MG_5825_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1943_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1928_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1915_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1905_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1896_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1891_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1889_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1881_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1878_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, together with French football trainer Stéphane Morello who is also not able to leave Qatar.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: After nearly five years in limbo, Morello has finally obtained an exit permit to leave Qatar in late October 2013.
    M130917_F8A9498_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, October 28, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Mr. Belounis is shown here in a Doha park together with his wife.
    M131028_F8A6202_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1937_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1900_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, October 28, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here in a Doha park, as his world has turned upside down.
    M131028_F8A6200_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1926_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1922_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 20, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here at the Doha corniche, with traditional boats (dhows) and the modern skyline in the background.
    M130920_F8A1906_pr30.jpg
  • Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
Minimum usage fee 250 USD or 200 EURO
    M130920_F8A1912_pr30.jpg
  • Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
Minimum usage fee 250 USD or 200 EURO
    M130920_F8A1931_pr30.jpg
  • Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
Minimum usage fee 250 USD or 200 EURO
    M130920_F8A1923_pr30.jpg
  • Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
Minimum usage fee 250 USD or 200 EURO
    M131028_F8A6201_pr30.jpg
  • Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
Minimum usage fee 250 USD or 200 EURO
    M130920_F8A1876_pr30.jpg
  • Doha, September 17, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Mr. Belounis is shown here in his kitchen, together 2 children.
    M130917_F8A9460pr25.jpg
  • Doha, September 17, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Mr. Belounis is shown here in his kitchen, together with his wife and children.
    M130917_F8A9449pr25.jpg
  • Doha, October 28, 2013<br />
<br />
Zahir Belounis is a French professional footballer currently trapped in Qatar under its controversial labour laws.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old has not been allowed back to France since June 2012 because he has been embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club al-Jaish, who play in the Qatar Stars League, over two years' unpaid wages.<br />
<br />
Under the Kafala system that ties employees to their sponsors, migrant workers cannot leave the Gulf state unless their employer agrees and Belounis has been left in limbo in Doha with his wife and two daughters. <br />
<br />
They are staying in an half-emply house, as most of his furniture was sold when he got word in that a solution is close. But no progress has been made since then. In November 2013, Belounis has written an impassioned plea to the former 2022 World Cup ambassadors Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola asking them to intervene on his behalf, published by The Guardian newspaper.<br />
<br />
Belounis is shown here in a Doha park together with his wife.
    M131028_F8A6203pr25.jpg
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