FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura welcomed yesterday at the Home of FIFA in Zurich the former Australian international Craig Foster and Mr Brendan Schwab from the World Players Association, who had requested an urgent meeting to discuss the situation of the player Hakeem al Araibi...All participants in yesterday’s meeting expressed grave concern and agreed on the emergency of the situation...

FIFA has called publicly upon the relevant authorities in Bahrain, Thailand and Australia on several occasions to ensure that Mr Al-Araibi is allowed to return safely to Australia and last week a letter was addressed to the Thai Prime Minister requesting a meeting and urging him to solve this issue at the earliest possible moment, in accordance with the relevant international standards...In yesterday’s meeting, FIFA reiterated its will to escalate this issue to the highest levels of all authorities in both Bahrain and Thailand...Mr. Foster added, “We are pleased to see that FIFA recognises the extreme gravity of the situation and their willingness to engage at the highest levels in both Bahrain and Thailand. I look forward to Hakeem’s human rights being upheld and his safe return to Australia. Given the urgent nature of the situation, there is a strong desire to see a resolution this week”.