On Tuesday 2 April, we welcomed a panel of football experts and legends to discuss the implications of the recent Hakeem Al-Araibi case that captured the world’s attention.

Hakeem fled Bahrain in 2014 and was granted political asylum in Australia. Whilst on his honeymoon in November 2018, he was arrested and held in detention in Thailand, waiting deportation to Bahrain. After sustained international media attention and diplomatic pressure, he was released from Thai detention and returned to Australian in February 2019.

Hakeem’s story, and the work of those behind the scenes and in front of cameras, is brought to light in this panel discussion featuring Hakeem, Craig Foster, Chief Football Analyst for SBS, John Didulica, CEO of the Professional Footballers Association, and Lou Tona, President of the Pascoe Vale Football Club, and moderated by ABC Sport’s Catherine Murphy.

This event was held in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society and Football Victoria.