Ever since Qatar controversially won the bidding rights to host the 2022 World Cup, the country has been stung with an avalanche of bad press from weather conditions and alleged corruption to human rights and the plight of foreign workers who have died in droves while building the stadiums for the tournament.
One of the most controversial episodes was the way in which French-Algerian footballer Zahir Belounis was trapped in the country due to the kalafa system which means foreign workers require their employer's permission to leave the state.
He had fallen out with his club Al Jaish and was denied an exit visa last year when he was finally granted one as Qatar gave in to international pressure after almost two years.
It is the first anniversary since his release and on this week's episode of Team 33, Zahir joined us on the show to give his take on the future World Cup in the gulf state and why he remains adamant that Qatar should keep the tournament despite the ordeal he faced.
Belounis now works as a waiter in Spain and having suffered depression in the wake of his lengthy ordeal, he told us how he is holding up now and whether his love for football has been rekindled as he puts the pieces of his life together.
Listen to the full interview via the podcast player below or download the episode below via iTunes
This week's episode also see us examine the changing face of football stadiums with many clubs having built new grounds or planning to do just that. We also pick our week's winners and losers and ban any future talk of Arsenal.
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