(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - In a move that could leave the Gulf kingdom in breach of international rules which separate politics and sport, A'ala and Mohamed Hubail were arrested during training with their club Al Ahli after appearing on television attending a pro-democracy rally.
Striker A'ala has played 68 games for his country while Mohamed has been capped 52 times. Both took part in Bahrain's 2010 World Cup qualifiers against the Socceroos in 2009.
At least 28 people have died and hundreds were injured in the Bahrain regime's efforts to quell the pro-democracy movement, lead by the country's Shia majority.
The Bahraini government has also suspended some 200 sportsmen over their roles in the anti-regime protests.
A'ala Hubail, 28, a paramedic before he became a professional soccer player, worked as a nurse during the protests.
Among those suspended by government officials were a soccer referee and several leading basketball, volleyball and handball players.
Bahrain Football Association officials admitted they were in uncharted territory as they met to discuss the crisis. The arrested men were under investigation by the government and their clubs.
"The suspension falls under misconduct, and the breaching of the rules and regulations of sporting clubs ... not to engage in any political affairs," the association said in a statement.
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