FIFPro "deeply concerned about Belounis’ precarious situation", footballer held in Qatar

FIFPro (International Federation of Professional Footballers) said they were "deeply concerned about (Zahir) Belounis’ precarious situation ... who has been repeatedly denied an exit visa until he agrees to drop legal proceedings against his former club, Al-Jaish, over a claim of almost two years of unpaid wages," said the players union, on the 14/11/2013.

In a letter to Joseph Blatter, president of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), FIFPro's secretary general, Theo van Seggelen, requested the immediate intervention of the international body, so that the Franco-Algerian footballer can leave Qatar and receive his wages.

FIFPro announced that it will provide financial support to Zahir Belounis and his family, through its emergency fund, and a representative of the ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) will travel to Qatar, to accelerate the process of obtaining an exit visa.

FIFPro requested that a discussion take place with the Qatari authorities and FIFA about the "sponsorship" system, which does not allow foreigners with work permits to leave the…