Qatar: FIFPro call for abolition of sponsorship system for foreign players

A FIFPro (International Federation of Professional Footballers) delegation who went to Qatar from the 28/11 to 01/12/2013 met with authorities and organisers of the 2022 World Cup and called for the abolition of the "Kafala" sponsorship system. The system requires all foreign workers, including footballers, to have an in-country sponsor who is responsible for their visa and legal status. FIFPro also called for an independent trade union of professional players to be created in Qatar, on the 30/11/2013.

The visit comes after footballer Zahir Belounis, who was in conflict with his club since 2011, received his visa to leave the country on the 27/11/2013. "The objective was discussed that situations such as the one which affected Zahir Belounis shall not occur in the future," stated the international union.

"FIFPro has the attention of Qatar’s leading football officials. FIFPro, as the representative of all professional footballers worldwide, will be heard loud and clear. We have a structure in place now that paves the way for FIFPro to launch several critical objectives in Qatar," said…