Zahir Belounis returned to France on November 28 2013 following a 19-month wage dispute with a Qatari football club. 
Belounis (right) held talks with French President Francois Hollande during his struggle to gain an exit permit to leave Qatar. 
Belounis had a two-year fight to secure an exit visa, leaving him stranded in Qatar with his wife Johanna and their children. 
The 34-year-old, here holding one of his two young daughters, had not been able to leave Qatar after he filed a complaint against his club Al-Jaish over a payment dispute. 
Since leaving Qatar, Belounis has worked with a number of human rights groups as well as FIFPro, which represents football players worldwide. 
Belounis met with FIFA President Sepp Blatter after his return from Qatar. Belounis revealed how Blatter said he was sorry for what the former football player had endured.
- Zahir Belounis was a French-Algerian footballer
- Belounis was stranded in Qatar following pay dispute
- Arrived back in France on November 28 2013
- Belounis still awaiting payment from Qatari football club
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(CNN) -- He was the football star who came to symbolize one of the reasons why many argued Qatar shouldn't be allowed the right to stage the 2022 World Cup.
On Friday, a year to the day since he returned to Paris following his painstaking exit from Qatar, Zahir Belounis will take a moment to remember the scarring experience of being trapped inside his Doha apartment for months on end.
"I cannot forget what happened...my head is still in that place," former French-Algerian football player Belounis told CNN.
"I never did anything wrong but my life was ruined and for what?
"Perhaps I don't understand the seriousness of what I achieved in getting out and being able to tell my story.
"It's not just about me -- it's about all the people like me who have also suffered."
Last year, on November 28, Belounis was reunited with his mother and family after returning to France along with his wife Johanna and two small daughters.
Belounis had become the face of the struggle against "kafala" -- the system which ties employees to a specific employer within Qatar.
Fiercely criticized by pressure groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, "kafala" has been labeled as facilitating modern day slavery, though recently Qatar said it had been making progress in reforming the system.
The Kafala law explained The kafala system ensures that all expatriate workers in Qatar and some visitors require a residence permit.
These can be provided by a resident sponsor, an employer or the person inviting a visitor on his or her sponsorship.
Human Rights Watch says that residence sponsors do not need to justify their failure to provide an exit permit -- the onus is on the expatriate to find another exit sponsor.
They can do this by finding another Qatari national or by claiming a certificate which establishes that there are no outstanding legal claims against them.
Stranded in Qatar following a 18-month pay dispute with football club El Jaish, Belounis was finally allowed to leave the Gulf State after a lengthy campaign by human rights groups and those on social media.
Belounis, who had plied his trade in the lower divisions of French and Swiss football, moved to Qatar in 2007 and initially enjoyed success.
In 2010, he was offered a new five-year contract and signed the deal with the ambition of taking El Jaish into the nation's top division, which he achieved the following year.
But once El Jaish was promoted, Belounis was sidelined and told he would not play again.
There started the problem with his contract -- the club paying him only a small amount of what he was owed until the money stopped completely.
For 18 months he struggled to feed his family, desperately contacting the French government and President Francois Hollande for help while he also sent an open letter to Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane, two of the most famous men in football.
The Qatari Football Association denied Belounis' allegations, stating that it had helped him recover unpaid wages from a previous club in the country and said the player had not lodged a complaint against El Jaish.
In telephone conversations with CNN before he left Qatar, the footballer confessed he had been driven to drink and suicidal thoughts.
Even now, some 12 months later, it remains a difficult subject, both for him and his family.
"As a mother, there is nothing worse on earth than seeing your son screaming for help, crying on the phone, hearing him on TV, on radio," Zahir's mother Fouzia told CNN.
Football player Zahir Belounis (right) is welcomed by his mother as he arrives from Qatar at Paris' Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport on November 28, 2013. The 33-year-old, here holding one of his two young daughters, had not been able to leave Qatar after he filed a complaint against his club Al-Jaish over a payment dispute. Belounis had a two-year fight to secure an exit visa, leaving him stranded in the emirate with his wife Johanna and their children. Belounis (right) held talks with French President Francois Hollande in June and claims he had been told he would receive his exit visa on October 21 -- it came more than a month later. 
Qatar has promised a futuristic World Cup -- whichever month it is held in 2022. But at what price? 
According to United Nations figures it is estimated that 500 new immigrants arrive in the country every day -- many from the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia. 
Qatar faces a wait to find out whether the 2022 World Cup will be switched to the nation's winter. "The mistake was to think that we could play this competition easily in the summertime," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said. 
The bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments is being looked at by former New York attorney Michael Garcia, who is head of the investigative arm of FIFA's ethics committee. Garcia will visit all of the countries involved in the process, beginning in London. Qatar's stranded migrants 
Lance Armstrong, the seven time Tour de France winner, revealed he had used an array of performance enhancing drugs to win the event. Armstrong admitted using testosterone and human growth hormone, as well as EPO -- a hormone naturally produced by human kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production. 
In August 2013, the world was left stunned by the news that Oscar Pistorius had been charged with premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The ''Blade Runner" will go on trial in March 2014 in his native South Africa. 
Andy Murray's triumph at Wimbledon ended a 77-year wait for a British male champion. Scotsman Murray, who had lost in the final 12 months earlier, defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets following a titanic tussle. 
Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager of Manchester United following over two decades in charge. Ferguson signed off by winning the Premier League title -- just one of 38 trophies he won during his time at Old Trafford. 
After losing out in its home stadium to Chelsea in the 2012 final, Bayern finally got its hands on the European Champions League trophy. The German side won the domestic double too in a season which climaxed with victory over German rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Coach Jupp Heynckes left Bayern at the end of the season to be replaced by former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola. 
Oracle Team USA skippered by James Spithill celebrated a remarkable victory in September after coming from 8-1 down to defeat Emirates Team New Zealand. Oracle, which defeated the Swiss team Alinghi three years ago, held onto its title when it seemed certain to suffer one of the most humiliating defeats the America's Cup had ever seen. 
Sachin Tendulkar finally waved goodbye to his adoring cricket fans following a stellar international career which lasted 24 years and one day. The Indian batsman, nicknamed "The Little Master" is considered one of the finest players of all time. 
Sebastian Vettel claimed a fourth successive Formula One drivers' title following another stunning season. The German, who won the final nine races of the season to take his tally to 13 overall, is still only 26. Football player Zahir Belounis is embraced by his mother as he arrives from Qatar at the French Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport on November 28, 2013. The French-Algerian footballer, 33, had been unable to leave Qatar since June 2012, after he filed a complaint against his club Al-Jaish over a payment dispute. 
Europe's women triumphed on U.S. soil for the very first time to claim victory in the Solheim Cup. The visiting team won 18-10 thanks to a Swedish contingent which included Caroline Hedwall, Annika Sorenstam, Liselotte Neumann, Carin Koch and Anna Nordqvist. Comeback of all comebacks
The moments which mattered: Looking back at 2013 
A published report claims UEFA president Michel Platini was gifted a Picasso painting in return for support for the Russia 2018 World Cup bid. Platini strenuously denies the allegation. Russia and Qatar, the hosts of the two World Cups, have been cleared of allegations of corruption by FIFA. Russia, the 2018 host and Qatar, which will host the tournament in 2022, were absolved of wrongdoing. 
Michael Garcia (left) handed his report on the bidding process for the 2018 / 2022 World Cups to the FIFA Ethics Committee. Garcia has also called for the findings of his report to be made public. 
FIFA has been plagued by a series of problems and controversies since Russia and Qatar was awarded the right to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. 
The announcement by FIFA in 2010 that Qatar would host the 2022 World Cup finals has brought greater exposure for the tiny emirate. 
It has also placed world governing body FIFA under pressure as to just when the tournament will be held. The organization's secretary general Jerome Valcke says he expects the 2022 World Cup to be played between November and January. It's not just when the 2022 World Cup will be played that has caused Qatar and FIFA problems. Qatar has come under pressure over the plight of the country's migrant workers, who make up 90 per cent of Qatar's population. 
This has been been highlighted by the International Trade Union Confederation, which has criticized Qatar's system of sponsorship which ties workers to employers and has been abused in the past. The ITUC also point to the high number of worker deaths and the conditions that many find themselves in. Temperatures on building sites in the summer months can hit 50 degree Celcius. 
Qatar's ambitious plans for the 2022 World Cup include building brand new, state of the art stadiums that would rival any in the world. But costs have spiraled and the technology has yet to be successfully deployed in full. But the new allegations by the Sunday Times could, if proven, see the vote for the 2022 final rerun, making questions about timing irrelevant. 
The Sunday Times report also claims Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) allegedly won the covert support of FIFA President Sepp Blatter (R) to enhance the claims of the Russia 2018 bid. 2022 controversy continues
2022 World Cup in Qatar "Of course I was aware that he wasn't held by some sort of terrorist group, but I felt like that every day.
"The worst was the article saying he was suicidal, but I want to forget that day, it is haunting me until today."
A photograph of Belounis emerging from the arrivals zone at Charles de Gaulle airport and moving almost immediately into the arms of his mother went viral online as the two embraced while cameras flashed and popped.
"I remember that night," said Belounis. "I was alone in the bathroom and just remember thinking, 'I've had to come back to my mum's house like a kid.'
"I had my wife and children and here I was, back at home. It wasn't right.
"I was a grown man forced to crawl back to my mum -- it was embarrassing."
Belounis suffered from anxiety as he struggled to adjust to his new found freedom.
"When he arrived in Paris, he was like a traumatized animal, scared of everything," his brother Mahdi told CNN. "It was almost impossible to make him smile or laugh."
Unable to settle in Paris, Belounis moved to Malaga in southern Spain where he found work at his friend's restaurant -- as a waiter.
"In life you have to work," he said. "My friend wanted to help me and I am so grateful towards him.
"At first it was difficult because I was used to the good life, being a professional football player.
"But now I have learned the trade and I respect the job of a waiter. I've learned about the restaurant and I am grateful, although I never expected to finish my career like this."
Last week, Qatar was back in the headlines after winning the right to host the 2019 World Athletics Championship.
The decision was met with criticism by human rights groups who are unhappy at the Gulf State's treatment of migrant workers.
In a statement, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs insisted the country is making progress and expects labor reforms to be implemented over the coming months.
"A new sponsorship law, currently under review, that will replace the outdated "kafala" system will be announced by next year," said the statement.
"We are also working on laws to cover domestic workers.
"As in every country in the world, change does not happen overnight. Significant changes such as these take more time to implement that some may wish, but we intend to effect meaningful and lasting change for the benefit of all those who live and work in Qatar.
"Our plans are going through a legislative process and we expect to make announcements about new legislation by early next year."
While Belounis says he is encouraged by these developments, he is anxious to witness greater progress.
According to a report by DLA Piper and confirmed by the government, 964 workers from Bangladesh, India and Nepal died while living and working in the country in 2012 and 2013.
The International Trade Union Confederation has estimated that 4,000 workers could die while working on projects by the time the 2022 World Cup begins.
According to the Qatari government, there are over 1.4 million foreign workers currently plying their trade in the country.
"Qatar's system is not a human system," Belounis said.
"I think they have no choice but to make changes now.
"The last time I heard the Emir speak, he said lots of good things but we want to see some action. We have to do something other than talk.
"I am a victim of the 'kafala' system and the rules need to be changed so it will never happen again."
Belounis is still awaiting news from the French justice ministry in his claim for unpaid wages against Qatari club El Jaish, though he insists his is a struggle that isn't just about money.
"This is about human rights. I hope one day I will see justice and that the Qataris will come out in public and admit they made a mistake.
"I want an apology. It's the only thing which will finish this episode."
Both his mother and brother are desperate for Belounis to put his time in Qatar behind him.
"Zahir is ready to fight even if we have to go to the European Court," said Mahdi. "This isn't just about Zahir, it is about hundreds and thousands of people who are in the exact same position that he was once in.
"He is the symbol of this human disaster."
A published report claims UEFA president Michel Platini was gifted a Picasso painting in return for support for the Russia 2018 World Cup bid. Platini strenuously denies the allegation. Russia and Qatar, the hosts of the two World Cups, have been cleared of allegations of corruption by FIFA. Russia, the 2018 host and Qatar, which will host the tournament in 2022, were absolved of wrongdoing. Michael Garcia (left) handed his report on the bidding process for the 2018 / 2022 World Cups to the FIFA Ethics Committee. Garcia has also called for the findings of his report to be made public. FIFA has been plagued by a series of problems and controversies since Russia and Qatar was awarded the right to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The announcement by FIFA in 2010 that Qatar would host the 2022 World Cup finals has brought greater exposure for the tiny emirate. It has also placed world governing body FIFA under pressure as to just when the tournament will be held. The organization's secretary general Jerome Valcke says he expects the 2022 World Cup to be played between November and January. It's not just when the 2022 World Cup will be played that has caused Qatar and FIFA problems. Qatar has come under pressure over the plight of the country's migrant workers, who make up 90 per cent of Qatar's population. This has been been highlighted by the International Trade Union Confederation, which has criticized Qatar's system of sponsorship which ties workers to employers and has been abused in the past. The ITUC also point to the high number of worker deaths and the conditions that many find themselves in. Temperatures on building sites in the summer months can hit 50 degree Celcius. Qatar's ambitious plans for the 2022 World Cup include building brand new, state of the art stadiums that would rival any in the world. But costs have spiraled and the technology has yet to be successfully deployed in full. But the new allegations by the Sunday Times could, if proven, see the vote for the 2022 final rerun, making questions about timing irrelevant. The Sunday Times report also claims Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) allegedly won the covert support of FIFA President Sepp Blatter (R) to enhance the claims of the Russia 2018 bid. 2022 controversy continues
2022 World Cup in Qatar 
Lusail is a planned city being built from scratch along the Persian Gulf in Qatar. Expected to be completed in 2019, it will be packed with technologically advanced features. 
Lusail Stadium, still to be built, is expected to host the final game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 
The stadium will be surrounded by a moat and contain advanced, open-air cooling systems to combat the blistering Qatar summer heat. 
Qatar sees Lusail as a business and leisure center with a cluster of four commercial skyscrapers. 
The city's energy, communications and transportation systems will be run with the help of computers from a single command center, allowing Lusail to automatically adapt to changing traffic and weather conditions. 
The city is being integrated with the surrounding Gulf via man-made islands, canals, marinas and other water features. 
Lusail's Marina Mall, an upscale retail palace expected to open in 2017, is comprised of five interconnected "pods." 
The waterfont mall, cooled in part by solar power, will have a canal running through it and waterfalls throughout. 
Between stand-alone homes and luxury condos, Lusail will contain housing for some 250,000 people. 
Buildings will be cooled by chilled water pumped through a vast network of pipes, which the city's developers say is more energy efficient than electrical air conditioning. A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city
A shiny, new World Cup city: 2022 The announcement by FIFA in 2010 that Qatar would host the 2022 World Cup finals has brought greater exposure for the tiny emirate. In particular the plight of the country's migrant workers, who make up 90 per cent of Qatar's population, has been highlighted by the International Trade Union Confederation. The ITUC has called for FIFA to strip Qatar of the 2022 World Cup unless it significantly improves its record on worker rights. The ITUC points to Qatar's system of sponsorship which ties workers to employers and has been abused in the past. They also point to the high number of worker deaths and the conditions that many find themselves in. Temperatures on building sites in the summer months can hit 50 degree Celcius. 
Qatar's economy has boomed since it started exporting liquefied natural gas in 1997 -- only Luxembourg has a higher gross domestic product per capita. But the 2022 World Cup has sparked a construction boom in a race to ready Qatar's infrastructure for the tournament. Qatar's ambitious plans include building brand new, state of the art stadiums that would rival any in the world. 
To combat the intense desert heat in the summer, each stadium would be equipped with zero carbon cooling technology that would cool the pitch and the stands. But costs have spiraled and the technology has yet to be successfully deployed in full. Qatar's 2022 World Cup organizing committee recently requested that the number of new stadiums it builds be reduced to eight or nine from the currently planned 12. 
The Qataris have also been busy investing in football abroad. The Qatar Investment Authority bought a majority shareholding in French football club Paris Saint-Germain in May 2011, immediately making it one of the richest teams in Europe. Ex-Milan and Inter coach Leonardo, center, was appointed director of football, while Carlo Ancelotti (left) is now coach. 
Qatar has its own 12-team top division, with the leading four clubs at the end of the season going into the Qatar Crown Prince Cup. Football is the most popular sport in the kingdom, with nearly 700,000 attending matches in any one season. 
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nassar Al-Thani (left), a member of the Qatari royal family, bought Spanish club Malaga for €36 million ($48 million) in June 2010. The investment brought with it a place in this season's UEFA Champions League. Malaga went on to reach the quarterfinals. 
Al Sadd's victory in the 2011 Asian Champions League final vindicated Qatar's decision to plough money into its coaching set-up rather than splash out on top overseas names. Just five of Al Sadd's playing roster were non-Qatari nationals. 
Mohammed bin Hammam, Qatar's former high-ranking member of FIFA's executive committee as president of the Asian Football Confederation, was banned from football after being found guilty of trying to bribe delegates ahead of the 2011 presidential election in which he was to be Sepp Blatter's only opponent. 
The issue of how migrant workers are treated has long been a hot topic in the Gulf. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain have all been criticized in the past for their poor treatment of guest workers. But the 2022 World Cup has focused attention on Qatar. Here one Indian worker proudly shows his ticket for a match at the 2011 Asian Cup finals, hosted in Doha. 
Thousands of Indian workers were given the day off by their employers and given free tickets to watch India play at the tournament, even though most were ardent cricket fans. Many spoke of their relief at working in Doha, rather than any of the other Gulf cities near by. Qataris love their football
Asian Cup glory for Al Sadd
Meanwhile, Zahir's mother is very much aware of the emotional torment her son has experienced.
"I can see it in his eyes, because I know my son. And I felt he was internally destroyed and fragile.
"I lost the kid full of joy I knew from before. It will take time, but I will get him back, I am sure.
As for Zahir he still has flashbacks -- the nights of sleeping on the floor in his Qatari home, crying while he held his daughters, remain fresh in the mind.
Even now, the picture of his two young girls asking, "What's wrong daddy?" haunts him.
The depression which led him to ponder suicide might have lifted but the memories haven't.
"I know that it will be a year since I came back but I just want to be alone," he said.
"I remember telling my little girls that 'Daddy doesn't have any strength to fight anymore' but here I am.
"I am proud of what has happened to me and to be the first to highlight this problem.
"Perhaps I haven't fully realized what I've done...but I will sit tomorrow night and I will remember."
Read: Belounis 'I can't wait to go home'
Read: Will new charter protect migrant workers?
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