WCQ - CONCACAF

FIFA supports case of detained Bahraini soccer player

Published Dec. 6, 2018 11:54 p.m. ET

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA says it wants a soccer player who has refugee status in Australia to return to the country "at the earliest possible moment" rather than be extradited from Thailand to Bahrain.

Former Bahrain international Hakeem Al-Araibi was detained at Bangkok airport last week. An Interpol warrant for his arrest was issued in apparent violation of rules protecting refugees.

World soccer's ruling body FIFA says it now expects his case "to be solved in accordance with well-established international standards," and has asked Australian soccer officials to urgently "take the matter up with their government."

Australian authorities said last week that embassy officials in Bangkok were working on the case.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rights activists say Al-Araibi was tortured after being arrested in 2012. He fled to Australia which gave him political asylum.

share

Get more from WCQ - CONCACAF Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

German DFB Pokal

African Nations Cup

CONCACAF U-20 Championship

English Premier League

CONCACAF Women's Championship

Belgian Super Cup

UEFA Europa League

English League Two

France Trophee des Champions

Dutch Johan Cruyff Shield

Community Shield

Argentina Primera Division

Scottish Premier League

Argentina Supercopa

Copa Libertadores

Euro Qualifying

Copa Sudamericana

FIFA U-17 World Cup

International Friendlies

FIFA Men's World Cup

FIFA U-20 World Cup

International Champions Cup

UEFA Champions League

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Turkish Super Lig

English Championship

German DFL-Supercup

Confederations Cup

FIFA Club World Cup

English League One

Spain Supercopa de Espana

Italy Supercoppa Italiana