Bahrain Mirror: FIFA stated that Mr. Hakeem Al-Araibi, who is currently being detained in prison in Thailand awaiting the outcome of extradition proceedings to Bahrain, should be allowed to return safely to Australia where he can resume his career as a professional footballer.

In a statement on Wednesday, FIFA stressed it is again calling for a humane and speedy resolution of the case concerning the player Hakeem Al Araibi.

Thai authorities arrested Hakeem Al-Araibi, who plays football in Australia in a refugee status, upon his arrival at Bangkok airport in November, at the notice of Interpol issued at the request of Bahrain.

Al-Araibi was convicted of vandalizing a police station in Bahrain and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in absentia. He denied any committing any crime.

"This situation should not have arisen, in particular, since Mr Al-Araibi now lives and works and plays as a professional footballer in Australia, where he has been accorded refugee status," noted FIFA.

FIFA therefore called on all the relevant authorities (in Bahrain, Thailand and Australia) to take the necessary steps to ensure that Mr Hakeem Al-Araibi is allowed to return safely to Australia where he can resume his career as a professional footballer.

Al-Araibi, who used to play for the Bahrain national team, was granted refugee status in Australia in 2017 and now plays for the second division Pascoe Vale Football Club.

The player is one of the most strict critics of the AFC president, Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Bahraini king's cousin, who is also FIFA's senior vice president.

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