FFA scraps Thailand training camp in support of Hakeem al-Araibi

The FFA has scrapped a planned Olyroos training camp in Thailand in a stand against the detainment of refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi.

Australian Socceroos and Olyroos coach Graham Arnold. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

The Football Federation of Australia has scrapped a planned Olyroos training camp in Thailand in a stand against the detainment of refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi.

After consulting with Socceroos and under-23’s head coach Graham Arnold, FFA cancelled the proposed trip to Bangkok to play China in the lead up to the AFC under-23’s Championship qualifiers in March.

“Australia’s national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release,” Arnold said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We are in the process of rearranging our pre-tournament camp in another Asian nation.”

The Olyroos were scheduled to arrive for the training camp in Bangkok on 11 March, ahead of two games on 14 and 17 March. They were then to fly to Cambodia for the qualifying tournament.

Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini refugee and Australian resident, is escorted to a courtroom in Bangkok. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/ AFP.

The sanction comes amid increasing pressure on Thailand to allow the release and return of Al-Araibi to Australia where he plays semi-professional football for Victorian side Pascoe Vale.

Supporters of Al-Araibi have also called on sporting bodies such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to impose sanctions and boycotts against Thailand and Bahrain in support of al-Araiba.

Sportsmen & women make huge sacrifices for their sport but Hakeem is facing the ultimate sacrifice - his freedom. As an Australian & an Olympian, we must stand up and defend his human rights. We ask that Thailand release Hakeem & allow him to return to Australia. #SaveHakeem

— Ian Thorpe (@IanThorpe) February 1, 2019

The 25-year-old has been in detention a Bangkok Remand Prison, for more than 65 days after he was arrested on an Interpol red notice, issued by Bahrain against refugee protection policies.

Meanwhile another Australian sporting team, Super Rugby club Melbourne Rebels, faced scrutiny on social media after announcing a sponsorship deal with Thai Airways. The Rebels announced the 2019 deal via Twitter on Tuesday night, a day after al-Araibi appeared in court in shackles.

It was met with an uproar which later resulted in an apology from the club.

The Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to continue the commercial momentum the Club is building ahead of the 2019 season by officially announcing a new partnership with @ThaiAirways. pic.twitter.com/vS8PLCxni5

— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) February 5, 2019

in Court on Monday, Al-Araibi was given 60 days to prepare a defence to Bahrain’s extradition order.

— with AAP