Jailed Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al Araibi leaves Thailand's Criminal Court, in Bangkok, Thailand February 4, 2019. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

DUBAI (Reuters) - Bahrain said it has taken note of a “halt of legal proceedings” against refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, who was released from a Thai jail on Monday after Bahraini authorities abandoned their bid to seek his extradition.

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that a 10-year jail sentence imposed on Araibi in absentia by a Bahraini court remained in place and reaffirmed its right to “pursue all necessary legal actions against him”.