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France 24
France 24
Sport
FRANCE 24

World Cup kicks off with empty seat for French journalist detained in Algeria

Christophe Gleizes Fifa World Cup Gianni Infantino Algeria Football Prison RSF
A screen displaying a message in support of jailed French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes at Jean-Bouin stadium in Paris.
A message of support for jailed journalist Christophe Gleizes at a Ligue 1 football match in Paris, on May 3, 2026. © Franck Fife, AFP

FIFA has issued World Cup accreditation to Christophe Gleizes in a gesture of support for the jailed French reporter, who was represented by an empty seat during Gianni Infantino’s news conference on the eve of the tournament. The FIFA boss said he hoped “the only sports journalist currently imprisoned in the world” would be freed during the event.

FIFA has issued World Cup accreditation to French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has confirmed, praising a “strong show of support” from world football's governing body ahead of the World Cup which kicks off on Thursday.

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