International football's governing body FIFA says a Bahraini refugee player facing possible deportation from Thailand should be freed and allowed to return to Australia to continue his career.

Thai authorities arrested Hakeem al-Araibi, who plays in Australia where he has refugee status, on arrival at a Bangkok airport in November, based on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.

Campaign: Football officials and Human Rights Group members show their support for Hakeem last month. Credit:AAP

Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station in Bahrain and sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia. He has denied any wrongdoing.

"Following a renewed exchange with the Australian Football Federation, FIFA is again calling for a humane and speedy resolution of the case concerning the player Hakeem al-Araibi," the organisation said in a statement.