The Defenders
When talented Australian refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi steps off the plane in Thailand for his honeymoon, he finds himself facing an Interpol arrest order for alleged terrorism offences. What unfolds is the gripping true story of a heroic whistle-blower who, on speaking out about his own torture, sets off a revenge plot involving three countries, two royal families and the world's most powerful sporting body, FIFA. As Hakeem awaits extradition back to Bahrain, a group of campaigners led by a retired Australian football captain Craig Foster fight for his release.
- Year: 2023
- Country: Australia
- Genre: Documentary
- Studio: Prime Video Sports, Sweetshop & Green, Closer Productions, Screen Australia
- Keyword: sports, football (soccer)
- Director: Matthew Bate
- Cast: Hakeem al-Araibi, Craig Foster