Jan 26, 2019

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday joined in the chorus of support for a footballer with refugee

status who has been detained in Thailand for nearly two months over his alleged role in Bahrain's Arab Spring protests.

Hakeem Alaraibi, 25, who played for the Gulf state's national youth team, fled his homeland and was granted asylum in Australia where he plays semi-professionally in Melbourne.

He was detained entering Thailand for a vacation. Interpol has faced criticism for initially issuing the warrant for his arrest, which it later withdrew.

The Australian government, human rights groups and world football's governing body FIFA have all called for Alaraibi's release.