FIFA Advocates for Release of Imprisoned French Journalist Christophe Gleizes

MEXICO CITY — FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a significant announcement on Wednesday regarding Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist currently incarcerated for his work in Algeria. Infantino revealed that Gleizes has been granted accreditation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup as FIFA intensifies its efforts to secure his release.

Gleizes was arrested following his coverage of JS Kabylie, a prominent Algerian football club situated in a region where the separatist Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie is active. He faced charges of "glorifying terrorism" due to his interactions with members of the movement and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Although he appealed the conviction, the sentence was upheld, and in March, Gleizes decided to withdraw his appeal to the Supreme Court, hoping instead for a pardon from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Infantino expressed his concerns during a press conference, stating, "There is an empty seat here in this room today, and this empty seat is for a French journalist, Christophe Gleizes, who is the only sports journalist who is detained in the world." He emphasized Gleizes' accreditation and urged for a "great act of humanity" to allow him to attend the World Cup. Infantino also extended an invitation to Gleizes' parents to attend an upcoming match between France and Senegal.

Gleizes' family reported that while he is being treated well in prison, he increasingly feels cut off from the outside world. His brother, Maxime Gleizes, called for global journalist solidarity in support of Christophe's release, stating, “I hope he will be free before the tournament ends.”

The plight of Gleizes highlights ongoing issues regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists around the world.