Christophe Gleizes, a journalist for Paris-based magazine So Foot specializing in African football, was detained in Algeria in May 2024 and sentenced to seven years in 2025. He was convicted after holding exchanges with a proponent of Kabyle self-determination.
French journalists' unions have called for his release, with approximately 40 French media outlets condemning the imprisonment as a violation of press freedom. The outlet stated: 'The imprisonment of a journalist for carrying out his profession is a red line that must never be crossed.'
At the 2026 World Cup, France is leaving an empty seat in the press box and an empty chair at each France news conference to highlight Gleizes' case. Journalists are holding scarves reading 'Free Gleizes' during press conferences.
France manager Didier Deschamps said: 'I hope for his sake and his family's that he can be here as soon as possible and ask his questions himself.' Gleizes' accreditation for the World Cup was personally approved by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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